Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission
Active dates:1974-
Function: MPOSC reviews the Regional Parks Policy Plan. Reviews detailed "master" plans prepared by park "implementing agencies" for each regional park or trail outlining acquisition boundaries, proposed development and costs. Reviews a capital improvement program (CIP) for every two fiscal years. Reviews grants for acquisition, development and redevelopment of parks/trails.
Preceded by:
Metropolitan Open Space Advisory Board (1972)
[Parks and ???] Open Space Advisory Commission (1974)
History:
The Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission was established in 1974 to assist the [Metropolitan] Council in setting policies and plans for the regional park system. The Commission advises the Council in developing a recreation open space plan and a capital improvement program for regional parks.
Although the MPOSC is considered to be one of the metropolitan agencies...the Commission has no staff and no taxing or bonding authority. The Council budget includes a parks and open space program funded by the Council's general property tax levy and the Council is the agent for system planning and grants administration. The Council first issued bonds for parks and open space in 1974.
The regional system has been set up as a partnership between the Council, the MPOSC and ten implementing agencies that own and operate the regional parks. These ten units of government are the only entities eligible for park grants from the Council.
Implementing agencies prepare master plans for each park, park reserve and trail unit that are reviewed by the Council and MPOSC for consistency with the Council's policy plan.
The Commission originally consisted of eight members appointed by the Metropolitan Council to represent districts, plus a chair serving at-large.
(From: Metropolitan Agencies 2002 Consolidated Financial Report, see link below)
Membership:
The nine members include eight members comprising two Metropolitan Council districts each and a chair representing the region at large. Members may not be members of any other metropolitan agency, board or commission, or hold judicial office. Members must reside in the district to which appointed, except the chair.
Members are appointed by Metropolitan Council; 4-year terms; per diem; members file with Ethical Practices Board.
Entries for this agency in the Annual Compilation and Statistical Report of Multi-Member Agencies Report:
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978.
Note: This report provides membership details as well as meeting information and a summary of the group's activities.
Note: The Legislative Reference Library may have additional reports on or by this group available through our catalog.
Documents/Articles:
News clippings and documents. Agencies Notebook Collection, 1972-1986.
Record last updated:
10/25/2013
All information on this group from the Library’s collection of agency notebooks has been digitized. These
materials are incorporated into the “documents/articles” section of the record. Please contact a librarian with any questions. The Minnesota Agencies database is a work in progress.