The City owns properties and additionally certain private developments have designated areas that are used as open space. The Community Rating System of the National Flood Insurance Program requires that all open space properties be so designated in order to meet the criteria to earn additional points for an enhanced community rating. An improved community rating benefits property owners by providing for discounted flood insurance rates within the city. Those properties which are requested to be designated as open spaces are attached to the resolution for Council’s review and approval.
In addition to designating open spaces, the staff is recommending that City Council consider adopting the attached Floodplain Species Assessment Plan and Natural Functions Report. The report, in short, defines the City's ecological presence, affirms the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan relating to consumption and the protection of natural resources and advances recommended action regarding specific habitat i.e. bald eagle, tricolored heron. The adoption of the plan is also an element related to the City's effort to improve the community rating.