CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION APPLICANT WORKSHOPROUND 8October 31, 2013 Canalway Visitor Center

CUYAHOGA COUNTY NATURAL RESOURCES ASSISTANCE COUNCIL

AGENDA

1. Overview of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program Statewide and District 1 Purpose Program Requirements

2. The Cuyahoga County Conservation Program Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) Applications Evaluation Methodology Round 8 Application Requirements

3. Q.&A.

CLEAN OHIO

The Clean Ohio Fund restores, protects, and connects Ohio's important natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, developing state-wide recreational trails, and cleaning up brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities.

The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program helps to fund preservation of open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and stream corridors.

CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION -Statewide

UPDATE Info below:812 Projects were funded$235.4 million have been

awardedArea protected:

64,400 acres of natural areas and greenspace

From 2000-2013:

CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION – OPWC Policies for Round 8 Projects not scheduled for acquisition within

12 months from the date of the Project Agreement will be rejected by the Commission.

All post acquisition activities must be concluded within a two-year period from the date of acquisition unless a formal extension has been approved by OPWC.

Program Year 8 applications will be required to have a certified appraisal performed by an Ohio Department of Transportation Prequalified Appraiser

CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION – OPWC Policies for Round 8 APPRAISALS:

Projects with Purchase Contracts exceeding the appraised value will be returned to the Natural Resources Assistance Councils for validation. These projects will not be issued a Notice to Proceed until this validation has occurred.

Projects that consist of leveraging the difference between the appraised value and purchase contract will also be required to have an appraisal review performed by an Ohio Department of Transportation Prequalified Appraisal Reviewer to ensure that the purchase price history, comparables, adjustments, and disclaimers are accurate.

Applicants that have an appraisal review rejected will not be issued a Notice to Proceed until these discrepancies are resolved.

Properties above appraised value are eligible, but it is important for the NRAC to be cognitive of this difference and must validate the value of properties that are using the difference between the Purchase Contract and appraised value as scored.

CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION – OPWC Policies for Round 8OPWC POLICY REGARDING MINERAL RIGHTS: Existing oil and gas leases, at the time the Natural

Resources Assistance Council approves the project, will be treated as pre-existing easements. Thus, these applications will be approved as submitted.

Requests to engage in oil and gas leasing on Clean Ohio Properties that have been acquired along with the mineral rights will be denied.

Requests to engage in these activities on Clean Ohio Properties acquired with a third party holding the mineral rights will be dealt with on a case by case basis in conjunction with the OPWC’s legal counsel

CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION- Cuyahoga County

From 2000- Present: 79 Projects were submitted 44 Projects have been funded $21.5 million have been awardedArea Protected:

934 acres of natural areas and greenspace

12,000 lineal feet of riparian corridors

PURPOSE

Preserve Open Space. Protect Riparian Corridors. Protect Rare, Threatened or Endangered

Species. Support Open Space Planning. Preserve Wetlands and Other Scarce

Natural Resources. Preserve Streamside Forests, Natural

Stream Channels and Floodplains.

A Unique Opportunity to Advance Conservation

Forested Bank on the Chagrin River

Mill Creek Area Vistas

TYPES OF PROJECTS

OPEN SPACE Acquisition of open space Acquisition of land or rights in

land for parks, forests, wetlands, natural areas that protect an endangered plant or animal population.

Construction or enhancement of facilities to make the acquired open space accessible and useable by the general public.

Acquisition of land to connect natural area corridors.

Fee simple acquisitionof lands to provideaccess to riparian corridors or watersheds.

Acquisition of easements for the purpose of protecting and enhancing riparian corridors or watersheds.

Reforestation of land or the planting of vegetation for filtration purposes.

Riparian Trail –Chagrin River Reservation

Category 3 Forested Wetland

RIPARIAN CORRIDORS

TYPES OF PROJECTS

Acquisition Expenses Fee simple purchases Easement purchases

Planning and Implementation Appraisal Closing costs Title search Environmental assessments Design

Construction or Enhancement of Facilities i.e. internal low-impact trails, boardwalks,

lookouts, benches, small parking areas for access

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIESMill Creek Conservation Project

Before Cleanup

Mill Creek Conservation Project Today

Acquisition of land for activities other than preservation and conservation.

Water management activities Flood control projects (dams,

dredging, etc.). Projects that accelerate untreated

water runoff. Stormwater management is the

primary purpose. Plan preparation. See OPWC Application

Instructions for more on Eligible vs. Ineligible project components.

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Local SubdivisionsCountiesCitiesVillagesTownship

Special DistrictsConservancy DistrictsSoil and Water

Conservation DistrictsJoint Recreation DistrictsPark District/Authority

Non-Profit CorporationsExempt from federal income taxation.Has conservation activities as a primary part of its mission.

ROUND 8 FUNDING

Funds Available. Round 8 Allocation - $3,473,293 Available balance - $ 24,881 Total $3,498,174

Awards – grants only. Maximum grant award – 75% of

Total Project Cost. 25% Local Match Required. No limit to the amount requested.

Can be: funds Contributions of money by any

person, local political subdivision or the federal government.

Contributions in-kind through the purchase or donation of equipment, land, easements, interest in land, labor and materials necessary to complete the project.

Appraised value of property.

LOCAL MATCH

OPWC

CONSERVATION PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

• Oversees “Issue 1” and Clean Ohio Conservation Program.• Approves methodologies of NRACs• Gives final approval of

recommended projects.• Oversees implementation of projects.

• Appoints NRAC members.

DOPWIC

NRAC• Implements Clean Ohio

Conservation Program in Cuyahoga County.

• Develops project selection and evaluation methodology.

• Selects projects for funding and makes recommendations to OPWC.

OPWCOPWC

DOPWIC

DOPWIC

DOPWIC

Hemlock Ravine Slopes

at Beecher’s Brook

Solomon’s Seal wildflower at

Beecher’s Brook

CUYAHOGA COUNTY CONSERVATION PROGRAM

NATURAL RESOURCES ASSISTANCE COUNCIL (NRAC)

Eleven members appointed by DOPWIC.1 member from DOPWIC1 member from Cuyahoga County Soil and Water Conservation District

9 members to represent 5 categories: 2 - Government 3 - Environment 2 - Park Systems 1 - Agricultural 1- Business, Realtors or Planning

CUYAHOGA COUNTY NRAC MEMBERSHIP

Member Representing

DAVID BEACHDirector, GreenCityBlueLake Institute

Environment

KYLE DREYFUSS WELLS, SECRETARYEnvironmental Manager, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

Environment

CARRIE HANSENManager, Research and Planning City of Cleveland, Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects

Park System

DOROTHY HAZELBoard Member, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District

Soil and Water Conservation District

HONORABLE MICHAEL PROCUKMayor, Village of Brooklyn Heights

Government

HONORABLE SUSAN RENDA, CHAIRMayor, Village of Moreland Hills

District One Public Works Integrating Committee (DOPWIC)

NATALIE RONAYNE, VICE CHAIRExecutive Director, Cleveland Botanical Garden

Environment

JENNIFER SCOFIELD Cuyahoga County Stat Coordinator, Office of County Executive Edward FitzGerald

Government

DONNA STUNIARZDirector of Strategic Initiatives, Cleveland Metroparks

Park System

CAROL THALERRepresentative, Western Reserve Resource, Conservation & Development District

Agriculture

CHRISTOPHER URBANManager of Physical Development, Greater Cleveland Partnership

Business, Realtors, Planning

Largest and most urbanized of Ohio’s counties. 90% of land is developed and only 10% is

designated open space. Existing open space areas.

Fragmented Not always accessible

to the public Some are degraded/

destroyed by pollutionand mismanagement

Others abandoned due to poorplanning and outmigration

OPEN SPACE IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY

Existing Open Spaces

DISTRICT ONE NRAC PRINCIPLES

To ensure that projects are visible, accessible and instructional, the NRAC has 5 guiding principles:

1. Preserve natural areas or open space.

2. Restore landscapes that have been degraded or destroyed.

3. Enhance the quality of natural areas or open space.

4. Link natural areas to each other or to county cultural and civic heritage areas.

5. Provide public access to natural areas and/or county cultural and civic heritage areas.

RESTORATION ACTIVITIES

Restoration MUST be accompanied by acquisition of land for protection

Restoration activities MUST be included in the project budget to be eligible for restoration points.

Examples of restoration components: Returning the open space to a natural state; Ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the

species (flora/fauna) are both native and resilient; Integrate the community’s cultural heritage; and Provide opportunities for cultural and ecological

relationships.

PROJECT APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. OPWC Clean Ohio Conservation Application OPWC website:

http://www.pwc.state.oh.us/GSCApplication.html2. NRAC Application Supplement

Cuyahoga County Planning Commission website: http://planning.co.cuyahoga.oh.us/nrac/

Available as a PDF and Word document3. A certified appraisal performed by an Ohio Department of

Transportation Prequalified Appraiser who is credentialed in value analysis.

4. Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer’s property valuation. http://fiscalofficer.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/REPI.aspx

A Glossary of Terms is also available.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

5. Resolution(s) of Support: A project will need a resolution of support from the appropriate political subdivision(s) (Cuyahoga County, municipalities, townships) as determined by the Ohio Revised Code, section 164.23

6. Documentation of pending land transaction, e.g. purchase agreement, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding if applying for open space acquisition.

7. Maps and other Documents as needed.8. A compact disc or flash drive with items 1 and 2;

as well as all supporting documentation.

A Glossary of Terms is also available.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

A certified appraisal must be included. Appraisals must be done by an Ohio

Department of Transportation Prequalified Appraiser, who is credentialed in value analysis.http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/E

ngineering/RealEstate/Pages/LPA.aspxhttp://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/E

ngineering/Consultant/Consultant/prequal-row.pdf

The project will not be evaluated if the appraisals and supporting documentation is not attached.

APPRAISAL REQUIREMENTS

Except as otherwise provided in the ORC, a copy of a resolution supporting the project from each county in which the proposed project is to be conducted

All resolutions from Cuyahoga County will be read on at least two (2) separate regular Council meetings

In between readings, the resolutions will be heard in committee. A staff member from your organization should plan to be present at the committee hearing.

Alison Ball of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission will assist applicants through the process.

Resolution requests are due by November 15, 2013 at 4:30PM.

RESOLUTIONS OF SUPPORT

Must submit 1 original and 12 copies. Copies to be submitted:13 Hard copies – double sided; 1 Digitally on compact disc or flash drive.

Materials must be typed using at least an 11 font.

All copies should be bound on the left-hand side.

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL to NRAC

PROJECT EVALUATION AND SCORING

Financial Information – Page 2 Financial Resources – Page 2 Project Schedule – Page 3 Project Description – Page 4 Project Officials – Page 5 Attachments – Page 6

APPLICATION SPECIFICS OPWC APPLICATION – Important points.

NRAC APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT

Relates directly to the NRAC Evaluation Methodology.

Used along with the OPWC Application to review projects.

Applicant is responsible in making sure all documents are complete and accurate.

APPLICATION SPECIFICS

PROJECT EVALUATION

The Evaluation Process is divided into three major components:

Phase 1: Preliminary Project Evaluation

Phase 2: Preliminary Project Scoring (includes Applicant Interviews) and Public Meeting

Phase 3: Final Project Scoring and Recommendations to OPWC

PROJECT EVALUATION

The NRAC Application Supplement has six major sections that are scored:

Section One: Project Emphasis Section Two: Project Description Section Three: County Principles Section Four: Project Benefits Section Five: Needs Of The District Section Six: Other Relevant Factors

Section 1. PROJECT EMPHASIS

Page 2: Based on the factors stated in

authorizing legislation Indicate each factor that will be

achieved by the project Check as many as apply in one category

EXAMPLE: Open space project will acquire property identified in the city’s open space plan and will preserve a high quality wetland that will be used by the city’s school district as a hands-on science laboratory.NO POINTS AWARDED

Section 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Page 3: Project Name  Type of Project

Acquisition of land Acquisition of land/facilities for accessibility Riparian Corridor restoration

Appraisal or Conservation Value Provide no more than a three-page

project description that includes a map showing the project location(s) and the local setting. NO POINTS AWARDED

Types of Acquisition: Project site must be secured in perpetuity. Land Securement Tools -

Fee simple: Absolute title to the land, free of any conditions, easements, limitations, encumbrances, or other claims against the title such that a property owner can sell the property or leave it to another by will or inheritance.

Conservation Easement: a right or interest in land that is held for the public purpose of retaining land, water, or wetland areas predominantly in their natural, scenic, open, or wooded condition. Recorded as a deed restriction.

Section 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (cont).

Map Example: Abram Creek Wetland Protection Area

Identify: Project site

Property lines

Community boundaries

Surrounding areas

Local roads, major buildings or institutions

Section 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (cont).

Page 4: Foundation of the NRAC

methodology.

Identify the principle(s) that will be advanced by the project.

Describe how the project will achieve the identified principles.

Section 3. COUNTY PRINCIPLES

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10 POINTS PER PRINCIPLE

•Preserve

•Enhance

•Provide

•Restore

•Link

Page 5: ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Explain the economic benefits that apply: Improving a community’s image Increasing the value of surrounding property Adding amenities that retain and attract

businesses and property owners Reducing blighted images Decreasing the cost of municipal services

Section 4. PROJECT BENEFITS

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10

Page 5: SOCIAL BENEFITS

Explain the individual and community benefits that apply:

Protecting and improving human health Creating educational opportunities Providing for communal activities and social

interaction Creating exercise opportunities Enhancing the cultural and civic assets of an

area Maintaining the history and heritage of an

area Providing psychological benefits

Section 4. PROJECT BENEFITS (cont.)

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10

Page 5: ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Explain the ecological benefits of acquiring, conserving or restoring the project:

Improving biodiversity and protecting plants and animals

Creating wildlife habitatsRemoving invasive speciesConserving energy and reducing “heat island”

effectsCleaning urban water, land and airReducing stormwater runoff and improving

water infiltration and sequestration

Section 4. PROJECT BENEFITS (cont.)

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10

Will the Project… Advance a Concept from an Adopted Plan? Be of Regional or County Significance? Retain Parts of the County’s Natural Heritage? Provide Openspace to Areas that Lack Access? Provide Openspace to Low-Income Minority

Neighborhoods?

Section 5. NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10

Page 6:

Page 7:Other Project Funding:

Each project requires a minimum 25% local match

Points awarded based on percentage of local match – the higher the local match the higher the points.

Section 6. OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10

Level of Coordination:Project is coordinated with another NRAC

project.Another community, federal/state agency,

community or conservation organization, or a business group.

Page 7:Readiness to Proceed:

Project will be ready-to-go within 6 months or 1 year.

MAXIMUM 10 BONUS POINTS

MAXIMUM POINTS - 10

Immediacy:Project requires immediate action or the

conservation opportunity will be lost.

Section 6. OTHER PROJECT FACTORS

Page 7:Mineral rights are emerging as a major influence on property values. Explain what property rights will be conveyed by the terms of purchase of land or conservation easement, specifically in regards to mineral and extraction rights.

The date of any pre-existing lease or similar agreement on the mineral rights, including oil, gas and/or extraction leases and if the lease or agreement allows for surface disturbance within the property.

Property Rights:Explain if the current landowner will retain the mineral rights;The mineral rights will be purchased and transferred to another entity; or The mineral rights will be purchased and maintained.

MAXIMUM 10 BONUS POINTS

Section 6. OTHER PROJECT FACTORS

Reminders for Round 8:

Appraisals ODOT Pre-approved County Auditor’s Valuation

Restoration Points Mineral Rights Disclosure for Bonus

Points

NRAC EVALUATION POINTS

CRITERIA MAXIMUM POINTS

WEIGHT FACTOR

MAXIMUM WEIGHTED

POINTS %

County Principles Preserves 10 3 30 11.5

Restores 10 2 20 7.5

Enhances 10 2 20 7.5

Links Areas 10 3 30 11.5

Provides Access 10 2 20 7.5

Principles Subtotal 50 120 45.5

NRAC EVALUATION POINTS

CRITERIA MAXIMUM POINTS

WEIGHT FACTOR

MAXIMUM WEIGHTED

POINTS %

Benefits

Economic 10 1 10 4.0

Social 10 2 20 7.5

Environmental 10 3 30 11.5

Benefits Subtotal 30 60 23.0

Needs of the District

10 3 30 11.5

NRAC EVALUATION POINTS

CRITERIAMAXIMU

M POINTS

WEIGHT FACTOR

MAXIMUM WEIGHTED

POINTS %

Other Relevant Factors Other Project Funding 10 1 10 4.0

Level of Coordination 10 1 10 4.0

Readiness to Proceed 10 1 10 4.0

Immediacy (bonus) 10 1 10 4.0

Property Rights 10 1 10 4.0

Other Subtotal 50 50 16.0

TOTAL* 140 260 100

*PROJECTS MUST RECEIVE A SCORE OF AT LEAST 60% or 156 WEIGHTED POINTS OF THE TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING.

ROUND 8APPLICATION

REQUIREMENTSAPPLICATION DUE DATE:

To be considered for financial assistance,application must be received by:

4:30 P.M. FRIDAY, January 10, 2014 at at the

Cuyahoga County Planning Commission2429 Superior ViaductCleveland, OH 44113

(216) 443-3700(216) 443-3737 (FAX)

ROUND 8 SCHEDULE

ACTIVITY DATE

Applicant Workshop Thursday, October 31, 2013

Applications Due to NRAC Friday, Janaury10, 2014

Project Evaluation Janaury13 – February 7, 2014

NRAC Applicant Interviews Week of January 27, 2014

NRAC Scoring Meeting Wednesday, February 26, 2014

NRAC Project Selection Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Proposal Submitted to OPWC Week of March 17, 2014

OPWC Approval of Projects April 2014

DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Clean Ohio Conservation Program contact:Lou Mascari, Program Representative

Ohio Public Works Commission(614) 752-8117

lou.mascari@pwc.state.oh.us

Cuyahoga County Natural Resources Assistance Council contact:

Alison BallCuyahoga County Planning Commission

(216) 443-3727aball@cuyahogacounty.us

CONTACT INFORMATION

QUESTIONSAND

ANSWERS