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April 19, 2001 Page 4 Tom O'Neill, of Thousand Oaks, said that efforts should be made to retrieve the $8 million taken from the District by the State, questioned how the District has managed to provide services in spite of the loss of the $8 million, said that land developers should be assessed fees for parks. He said that his family has enjoyed the parks. Leon Palkin indicated that the measure was not adequately promoted, any assessment should be placed on a general ballot, the work done in front of the Goebel Senior Adult Center and the disabled access ramp was not necessary and funding should come from the State not the local people. Written statement cards were received from the following: Marion Dickinson wrote in opposition to the assessment and wrote that because of the recent refund of money to the District, there is no need for the assessment. Paul Studer questioned why the public hearing was not held earlier in the ballot process. Anonymous wrote asking if the fee would be assessed to apartments, and indicated that apartment dwellers are the primary users of parks. Gerard van Steyn of Shilts Consultants, Inc. was present and answered questions from the Board and the public about the methodology used for the proposed District Assessment. Jacobsen solicited anyone present to cast ballots. Four people cast their ballots. In response to questions posed by Suzanne Duckett and Paul Seader, Ward discussed the State Park Bond Act, and noted that the $1.1 million grant is equal to only one -ninth of the ERAF shift (Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund), and that only capital expenditures are allowed and said that 27 out of 107 District jobs were eliminated at the time of the shift in funds, staff has looked at ways to augment District services, and a determination of the casting of District's ballots has not yet been determined. Lange stated that the District has utilized Prop. 218. Holt said that staff has worked vigorously to retrieve lost funds. Jacobsen reiterated District efforts to retrieve lost funds from the State and to involve people in the assessment process, and he noted the important role of volunteers, and said that no additional testimony was being accepted at this time.