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November 7, 2002 <br />Page 2 <br />8. NEW ITEMS <br />A. Consideration Of MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) With County <br />Of Ventura For Purpose Of Transferring Oakbrook Regional Park To <br />Conejo Recreation And Park District <br />Lange announced that Supervisor Schillo was present to answer questions. <br />Sorensen discussed past relevant events, and noted that the site consists of <br />five separate parcels totaling 426.1 acres, currently owned by the County of <br />Ventura, of which 25 acres is operated on a month-to-month lease with the <br />Oakbrook Park Chumash Indian Corporation. He highlighted topographical <br />and interpretive features, boundaries, easements, trails, archaeological and <br />natural resources, current and proposed site management, and adjacent <br />open space of the site. He stated that the site features gentle to steep <br />slopes, dry riparian, oak woodlands, and chaparral and sage scrub <br />communities; the District asked the County to delay the process of preparing <br />an RFP for another long-term lease until it was determined whether or not the <br />District would acquire the property; the County reports that they have not <br />financially supported the operation of the concessionaire (Chumash Indian <br />Corporation) since it opened in 1994; and if the acquisition is approved, all of <br />the open space in the Lang Ranch area would then likely be managed by <br />one agency. <br />Jacobsen assumed the chair. <br />Referencing an aerial photo of the site, Towne identified and briefly <br />discussed topographical features, and the surrounding 9,000 acres of open <br />space, and trails. He recommended acquisition. <br />In response to Board inquiries, Sorensen explained that the concessionaire <br />has been self-sufficient in the past and the District would face limited financial <br />exposure; it is the concessionaire's responsibility to removed site debris; a <br />partnership agreement is envisioned with higher maintenance and landscape <br />standards; and, given that the intent of the grants and the MOU are complied <br />with, a greater degree of latitude for District administration of the site will <br />result. <br />Jacobsen and Holt expressed concern about possible limitations on the <br />District's administration of the site. Jacobsen said he envisions a greater <br />