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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - CMTY STRATEGIC PLAN 1994 97 (2)AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented by: Ken Puls mp UNFINISHED BUSINESS DATE: January 10, :1995 tzl SUBJECT: Community Strategic Plan 1994 - 1997 DEPARTMENT: City Manager BACKGROUND This item was continued from the regular City Council meeting of December 13, 1994 in order to gather additional input from the participants in the strategic planning process. Since that meeting copies of the draft Strategic Plan were mailed to each of the participants for final comment. All were requested to provide final comments to the City by December 30, 1994 or be present to discuss the item at this session. As of December 30, no written or verbal comments regarding the plan were received by City staff. As you will recall, there were eight stated objectives for the Community Strategic Planning process. These included: *Integrating the Community into planning efforts -Creating a shared vision of the community *Clarifying the purpose and role of the City -Validating the assumptions about the community •Identifying community resources •Improving community networking *Increasing understanding of local government *Developing an action oriented plan to address priority issues The completed document along with the suggested action plan is now presented for City Council review and approval. As you may recall, items 1 - 10 were drafted during the community session. Due to time constraints however, it was then agreed that City staff would draft the remaining items and present the entire plan to the City Council fo Agenda Item: review and adoption. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt the Community Strategic Plan 1994 1997 and direct the City Manager to implement the action plan presented. ATTACHMENT Community Strategic Plan 1994 - 1997 URAp T Community Strategic Plan 1994 - 1997 January 1, 1995 Dear Citizen: I am pleased to share with you our community's second strategic plan, entitled "Share the Vision II." This plan is the result of the participation, dedication, and determination of many of our residents, policymakers, and staff who are committed to making Santa Clarita a great place to live, play,. and work. Over 110 people participated in the dynamic process resulting in this report. They gave of their own time to share with the City Council and staff their thoughts about the direction the City should pursue and identified some of the many issues that will pose challenges to us over the next three years. Along with the City Council and City staff, I want to thank all the participants who contributed to making this such a valuable experience. As with our first strategic plan, we are committed to carrying out the objectives contained within this document, thereby implementing the strategic plan. Our last plan saw the completion of over 85 percent of the items identified by the participants as important. Itis exciting to have played a part in this plan and in helping create a shared vision for our City. Let's work together to create a Santa Clarita that future generations will love., Sincerely, George L. Pederson Mayor C TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN SHARE THE VISION II INTRODUCTION .. ....... ...... ... ..... .. 1 The Challenge....................................................2 Project Objectives .................................................. 3 Rules of the Day..................................................7 Disclaimers......................................................8 Overview of Strategic Planning ... _ .... . .............................. 9 Strategic Planning Model .......................:.................. 10 SECTION I - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY ............................. 11 The Issues Facing the City of Santa Clarita ........................... 11 SECTION II - ASSESSMENT OF EXTERNAL CONDITIONS ............... 18 SECTION III - VISION OF THE FUTURE ................................ 23 Worst Case Scenario..............................................23 Best Case Scenario ........ ....................... .............. :. 25 Reality Check .................................................. 27 SECTION IV - COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT ............................ 29 SECTION V - REVIEW POINT .......................................... 32 SECTION VI - COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT ...................... 33 SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN ... ..................... ..... . 35 CONCLUSION ................................. .... ..... .. . 50 Exhibit 1- Community Strategic Plan Process ......................... 51 Exhibit 2 - Community Strategic Plan ProcessFlow Chart ............... 53 Exhibit 3 - Strategic Plan Priority Listing ............................. 54 Exhibit 4 - Notes of the Sessions ... .............................. 55 Exhibit 5 - Strategic Plan Participants ............................... 58 SHARE THE VISION INTRODUCTION Change is the only constant throughout life. How we adapt and impact change determines whether we will grow and evolve as individuals or become stagnant and inflexible. The same premise applies to organizations, as well as communities. Today, more than ever before, our daily lives and the communities we function within are immersed in change. In 1994, we live in a fast -paced society in which keeping up on current events can be a great challenge. As the rate of change increases, individuals and organizations must find a way to manage that change, make sense of it, and utilize it to make a positive impact on the future. For many, the fast -paced society and the changes that occur cause great frustration. Just as one is mastering the most recent change or adjusting to a new event, the next change sequence begins. There is, however, a tool to take charge of the future, predict and manage this elusive change process. The process even allows us to create the future we desire. It is called STRATEGIC PLANNING. Strategic planning, as an action -oriented process, allows participants to review issues currently facing the community, as well as other future influences in order to take on a strategic position to impact rather than react to change. Strategic planning is a process which allows participants a unique opportunity to shape and achieve a shared vision of the future. In order to truly begin to shape and impact the future of the City of Santa Clarita, invitations were sent to an extensive list of community leaders, other governmental agencies, businesses, the educational field and the development community. Additionally, an open invitation was extended to all residents of Santa Clarita to participate in the planning process. A training and orientation session was conducted on the evening of Thursday, October 6, 1994. This session was geared toward those in the community who were unfamiliar with the strategic planning process. Additionally, an orientation packet and reading materials were sent to all participants. On Saturday, October 8, 1994, in the Main Gallery of The California Institute of the Arts, the community strategic planning process was conducted by and for the City of Santa Clarita. Approximately 110 participants from throughout the community participated in this full-day event. City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, comprised of Mayor George Pederson, PAGE I SHARE THE VISION II During the training session, there was a discussion about change. It was pointed out that life is more complicated than ever before and that there is much change in the world. In our society, keeping up with the most recent change or technology is a great challenge. Just when you get the latest product or technology mastered, it changes! Innovation often equals frustration. The population Is a great contributor to the amount of change in the world. • There were 1.2 billion people in the world in 1850. • 1.2 billion people will be added to the world within the next 12 years. • 900/6 of those people who will be added will be poor. • By the year 2000, world population will reach 6 billion. • The population of India increases by more than 1 million per month. The world population increases 86 million per year. INTRODUCTION Mayor Pro Tem JoAnne Darcy, Council Member Janice H. Heidt, Council Member Carl Boyer, and Council Member Clyde Smyth served as hosts and participants in this day -long process. They will assume the primary responsibility of later adopting the key action plan which will place into affect and solidify the critical list of action items to be addressed by staff in the upcoming several years. George Caravalho, City Manager, opened the session with a discussion of the success of the City's previous Community -Wide Strategic Plan. Participants then viewed a slide presentation which clearly represented the progress that has been made over the previous 3 -year planning period. To start the day off on a humorous note, a skit featuring George Washington (Mayor George Pederson), Mayor George Pederson (George Caravalho), and William S. Hart (Gary Brown) was presented to depict the amount of change that has occurred throughout the decades. The skit also presented a light-hearted look at Santa Clarita, and the progress made as a result of cityhood. To adapt the strategic planning model, and to allow for community participation in the process, as well as facilitate the workshop, George called upon Chief of Police for the City of Ashland, Oregon, Gary Brown, and Santa Clarita Assistant City Manager, Ken Pulskamp. Both Gary and Ken have been involved in the strategic planning process for several years. In addition, they have conducted strategic plans for different organizations, as well as having trained numerous local government personnel in how to conduct strategic planning sessions in various jurisdictions throughout the state. The Challenge After the devastation of the January 17, 1994 Northridge Earthquake the citizens and staff of the City of Santa Clarita drew on each others' strengths and expertise. It was at this time that we realized and appreciated the vital importance of working with the various community groups, agencies, and citizens to help the City recover and rebuild. Itis this type of overall community involvement which makes this City -great. While we PAGE 2 S• SHARE THE VISION II INTRODUCTION The amount of information that exists has been Increasing at a phenomenal rate. This is evidenced by the following: • By the year 2000, the amount of knowledge will have doubled four times since 1988. • Elliot Estes, Former CEO of General Motors, stated that if something has been done the same way for three years or more, it is likely being done wrong. • Graduates of the Class of 2000 will have been exposed to more information than their grandparents were in their lifetimes. • By the year 2030, while the Class of 2000 is still working, they will have had to assimilate more inventions and information than has appeared in the last 150 years. were virtually cut off from the outlying communities we all learned what a great resource we have in each other and how important it is to foster that type of involvement in all areas. With these thoughts fresh in our minds, and signs of recovery readily seen in all areas of the City, we look toward the future. Our view of the future offers many challenges. There are the challenges of protecting our environment, of reducing crime and gang related activity within the City, and revitalization in our communities. The primary purpose of the strategic planning process is to involve the citizenry in cooperatively identifying and addressing the major issuesbeing faced, as well as collectively creating a vision of the ideal community toward which City policy makers and staff can direct their creative efforts. Project Objectives Integrate Community Into Planning In many municipalities, Council members and City staff assume the responsibilities of determining what is best for the community. The formulation of such plans may take place in a vacuum, or the proverbial "ivory tower, based upon inaccurate assumptions. To avoid this type of faulty plan making, City officials wanted to ensure that the whole community was represented in the planning process. Strategic planning serves as a means to help validate whether or not existing points of view, policies, programs, and plans are still relevant and are meeting the needs of the community. The process enables the community to fully participate in the development of the plan. Contrary to the City's long term General Plan, strategic planning is a much more dynamic process and is less focused on data and structure. Also, it is not a legal mandate as are land use plans, it can be flexible enough to meet the immediate needs and desires of the community. PAGE 3 . SHARE THE VISION II INTRODUCTION There are many trends that were pointed out to demonstrate the amount of change tak- ing place in the world. • By the year 2005, minorities will be the majorities in 53 of the top 100 largest U.S. cities. • The robot population or 'steel collar workers' will grow by 35% a year as opposed to the human rate of 2%. On the down side, as robots proliferate, they will generate a new legal speciality to fight over damage and liability attributed to the robots. • Cirties will grow to an incredible size by the year 2000. Mexico City, the world's largest city, will have 28 million residents. The United States will have two cities among the most populated by 2000 (New York and Las Angeles). • Currently, 3.4 workers support one retiree. By 2025, due to the increased senior growth rale, there will be fewer than two per refiree. • By the year 2000, the literacy rate will be 30% from the now 20% experienced in the United States. • In 1979, AIDS was unheard of. Currently, over 100 million of the word population are infected with the virus. Create a Shared Vision It is a well known phenomenon that people may observe the same object at the same time, but interpret it differently. For example, if you were to ask three individuals to view and describe a simple block of wood, each might respond differently. The first might note the wood's size and shape while the other might note its color and texture. The third might note its usefulness. Each may be correct but each person's description would be enhanced by the other's description. People see their worlds from different points of view based upon their biases and/or conditioning. Each person's view may be correct but can be made more whole by adding other different points of view to find or create a shared point of view. The same thought applies to creating a shared vision. Collectively, the objective is to have people identify the characteristics of an ideal community and find areas of common ground in which there is agreement. As mentioned in the process, it is akin to the "blank canvas" theory in which one approaches the creation of a vision as if it were a blank canvas, not inhibited by previous brush strokes. One group dynamic exercise often used in organizational development sessions is the "survival" game. This organizational development process continues to support the theory that, collectively, the team has a much better chance for survival if they work to develop a consensus, rather than if they work independently. The same is true for organizations and for whole communities. CIarify Purpose Everyone belongs to some sort of organization, is part of a family group,.a church or social club, or resides in a neighborhood. Being a passive member is one thing. However, if a person really wants to contribute, they need to understand the purpose of the organization or group. What does it stand for? Which direction is it going? The strategic planning process enables PACE 4 1 . SHARE THE VISION II INTRODUCTION The following is an excerpt from a Ladles' Home Journal article published in 1900. Think about the impact, how far we have come, and still how far we have to go. • The anticipated U.S. population will be 350 million in the year 2000. (The actual projection is now 300 million). • Hot and cold air will come through spigots into homes to regulate temperature. • Ready -cooked meals will be available. • Cities will be free from all transportation noise. • Mosquitos and flies will be eradicated. • Photographs will be telegraphed and published across the world in 'all of nature's' colors within one hour. • Automobiles will be substituted for horses. Children will ride in 'auto -sleighs' in the winter. (The mini- van?) • There will be air ships, but they won't compete for freight traffic. • There will be no wild animals. • Man will see around the world through cameras, and telephones will span the globe. participants to clarify/identify the purpose or sense of direction in which the organization wants to proceed. Identify Issues/Trends The strategic planning model, which will be explained in more detail later on, will help identify the major issues facing the community today. Additionally, it considers the trends that are just below the surface or which are just coming into view. One way to head off problems, or stay ahead, is to anticipate the issues and trends in order to handle them before they are out of control. Tests/Validate Current Assumptions As mentioned previously, local government must often move forward and represent the community's views even though the views are not clearly known. While public participation is very important, it doesn't occur often enough. In reality, everything cannot be taken to the community for a vote by the public. In the democratic form of government, policy makers are elected based upon the trust and support given them from their constituents. Based upon this support, officials must make certain assumptions based upon the often limited input they receive and municipal organizations move forward. The Strategic Plan process enables the municipal organization to validate whether or not it is on target. Identify Community Resources One of the objectives of the process is to identify where the resources are and what trends may affect them. Like natural resources, an organization's resources are finite, once they are used, they may be gone forever. As a result, everyone associated with local government has a responsibility to be a wise steward of the limited resources. Where resources are identified as scarce, it is important to conserve and share them based on need and priority. PncE 5 / SHARE THE VISION II The book, E&3r Shock, by Alvin Tofier; was used as another example of the accelerating rate of change. Toffer indicated that mankind, as we know it, has been in existence for approximately 50,000 years. This equals approximately 800 lifetimes, with an average lifetime being somewhere around 60 years. He points out that for 650 lifetimes mank nd lived in caves. it is only during the last 70 lifetimes that we have been able to pass written word from one generation to the next. It's only in the last eight lifetimes that we have had the printing press. Only in the last four lifetimes have we had an accurate measure of time. Only in the last two lifetimes have we had the electric motor. The overwhelming amount of change has occurred in the current lifetime. There was then discussion about why change is so difficult. The group came up with a host of reasons such as distrust, fear, lack of understanding, tradition, and complacency as reasons why people avoid change. tt was pointed out, however, that change is a paradox, with people constantly seeking it, yet constantly trying to avoid change. PAGE 6 INTRODUCTION Improve Community Networking Since strategic planning is a group dynamic. process, it requires working together to address community issues. Even though people may have divergent points of view, the process enables people to work together for common objectives. Because many of the participants will not know one another, the process will enable the community to get to know one another better and help them function as a team. The interaction with one another in discussing community issues is as important, if not more so, as that of the end product - the Strategic Plan. Increase Understanding of Local Government Sometimes local governments and officials will move forward, make decisions, and assume that the community is aware of what is being done and why. There is also the general belief that the public understands local government and how it works. But this is not always true. Unless people are actively involved in the governmental process, most of the inner workings will be unfamiliar to them, and contact with their local government may be limited. However, this contact can be positive or negative depending upon whether they are on the receiving end of a citation, a victim of crime, or someone who wants to build a fence. The strategic planning process not only serves as a catalyst for receiving information, but also serves as a means to impart information in terms of the issues and difficulties facing local government. Having participated in the process, the community will have a better feel for the many complex issues facing their elected officials and City staff. Finally, the participants should come away knowing that the municipal organization can only work on a several issues at a time, based upon its limited staff and financial resources. r�� SHARE THE VISION II Develop Action -Oriented Plan INTRODUCTION There are many types of planning efforts. Some are abstract and dynamic while others are data bound and static. Many plans, unfortunately, in fact most, are forgotten a few months after they are completed and are never implemented; often, they end up on a shelf, collecting dust. The City Council and City Manager of Santa Clarita ensure that the Community Strategic Plan - Share the Vision 11 experience will be more than just a process. By developing an action - oriented plan with specific tasks to accomplish, people will be able to see the results of their efforts and know that the strategic planning process was not merely a series of discussions, but a proven means to impact and shape our future. Rules of the Day As with any plan, there are certain steps which need to be followed to assure success; and since "time" is a precious commodity, it is important that the program stay on schedule. The task at hand was to determine how to ensure that participation occurs and that the process does not hang up at any one point. Since there are so many people involved in the process, it could prove to be unwieldy, especially with the diverse points of view. The following were the rules which applied: EVERY IDEA IS WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION People often have a tendency to tune out individuals when a comment is made that may be contrary to their point of view or be considered as not being worthwhile, old news, or too bizarre to consider. Many of the steps in the strategic planning process require "brainstorming" in which ideas are brought forth without taking time to evaluate whether they are truly worthy of further consideration. Later on in the process, participants prioritize issues, trends, and vision objectives which validate those items that are more important or significant than others expressed during the course of the day. 2. TIME SHOULD BE SHARED It is important that everyone be able to express their point of view and that any one individual or group not dominate the process. Likewise, others should not be inhibited based upon the power of another's personality or position and the amount of time they take in articulating their thoughts. The objective was to share information and provide input to the Mayor and City Council. As in any PAGE 7 a group process, if ideas and various points of view are solicited, it is recognized there may be strong differences of opinion which require some debate or clarification and presentation of the other point of view. It is important to ensure that allowing a person to present their minority opinion is much more important than not allowing open dissent. Likewise, people can have differing opinions, but we must respect one another and not personalize the issue or try to undo the will of the majority. Once everyone's point of view is taken into consideration and the decision is made, the minority should not undermine the plan. The participants' role is to provide input, not make the final decision. The final responsibility of the plan has to reside with the policy makers who are entrusted to carry out their responsibilities and, likewise, may possess information that is unknown to others. Also, they must prioritize in terms of how to utilize the resources they have available to them. As such, the intent and objective of the process was for individuals to provide information to the City Council, but the final decision resides with Council. 3. EQUALITY OF PLAYERS (No Rank) To fully achieve the previous two objectives of the Strategic Planning process, everyone must be considered equal. Because the Mayor or City Manager express a view does not mean their point of view is always on target and that others should not have an opposing point of view. In review, upon completion of the workshop process, the "rules" were followed without constant reminder from the facilitators. This demonstrated that there were quality people involved in the process. They respected one another. There was caring, and we were able to complete the comprehensive plan on time. People were also conscious that it was important to follow the steps in the process. Disclaimers Due to the uncertainty of using the Strategic Planning process with such a large group, the facilitators felt it was important to state disclaimers up front to minimize possible frustration with the process or the end product. The following is a list of disclaimers that were shared with the group in the orientation session. • No matter how much planning we undertake, we cannot anticipate all things that will happen. PAGE 8 SHARE THE VISION II INTRODUCTION. • We will not begin by seeking solutions to the specific concerns you may have. Focus will initially be on broad themes and in identifying a general sense of direction. • Individually, we may not have all the solutions for the City's problems, but collectively we should be able to get a handle on the key issues. • The basic process we will follow has been proven; however, it may have to be altered as we go along. • At times you may think we are spending too much time on following the process and should get into resolving the specific issue(s). It is important to remember that we need to follow the steps to avoid misdiagnosing the problem and to avoid treating the symptom instead of the cause. Overview of Strategic Planning Strategic Planning Defined City Manager George Caravalho and facilitator Gary Brown developed a management training program which has been used for approximately ten years and which focuses heavily on the use of the strategic planning process. To make the process more understandable and less academic, George and Gary developed the following definition of strategic planning: "Strategic planning is a group dynamic process which enables an organization to address immediate issues, examine trends, assess capabilities, reexamine its reason for existence, define a new sense of direction (Mission/Vision Statement), and develop an action plan to put the new direction into effect." Strategic planning is definitely a group dynamic process, especially when there are in excess of one hundred participants. The goal of strategic planning is to have the participants work collectively to identify the purpose and direction for the organization — in this case, a community — and to identify the issues and trends that may inhibit that vision, assess the resources and capabilities of the organization and then develop an action plan to put the vision into effect. PAGE 9 , THE The Community's Strategic Planning Model INTRODUCTION Exhibit I depicts the model used for developing the plan. It identifies the specific steps in the process, as well as the general intent or objective of each task therein. The exercise required the participants to work up to the formation of the "action plan," which was then discussed by the City Council at a later meeting. The City Council is given final responsibility for the action plan because it is difficult for the community at large to commit City resources. Exhibit If is a flow chart which depicts how the process works. While the flow chart depicts a beginning, middle and end, it is important to remember that good strategic planning is an on-going process. "In every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." -- The Great Law of the Six Nations -- Iroquois Confederacy as remembered by Benjamin Franklin. PAGE 10 SHARE THE VISION II SECTION 1 - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY SECTION I - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY The first step in the strategic planning process is to identify the major issues facing the community today. In this respect, it is not that different from a report on the state of a business corporation by a CEO or the State of the Union by the President. The primary focus and initial steps of the process are to identify immediate issues facing the community. A cautionary note was made to the participants that they should not think that the issues are overwhelming, or that they are unique only to Santa Clarita. Every community has major issues it has to address. The Issues Facing the City of Santa Clarita As identified by the strategic planning participants, the issues, concerns, and problems facing the City of Santa Clarita, today, in 1994 are as follows: • Crime - Growing instances of crime within the Santa Clarita Valley. • Redevelopment - Concern over what Redevelopment is and how it will be implemented within the City. • Santa Clara River - The need to preserve the Santa Clara River. • Protecting the Environment - Protection of our sensitive environment from adverse development • Transportation - Lack of an adequate transportation system. • Youth Programs -Not enough activities for the youth in the community. • Defeating Elsmere Canyon Dump - Desire to defeat the proposal to develop a dump in Elsmere Canyon. • Quality Jobs - Availability of quality jobs within the community. • More Parks - Members of the community would like to see more parks developed within the City. PAGE I I . SHARE THE VISION II SECTION I - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY • Economic Development -Level of attention and resources given to economic development. • Preservation of Mobile Home Parks - Residents worry that the parks may disappear. • Roads - Immediate need for the construction of new roads. • Affordable Housing - Provision of housing that is affordable for the residents of all income levels in Santa Clarita • Water Resources - Desire for the City to provide the water resources. • Community Theater - Continued interest in the development of a community theater. • Providing for Municipal Resources with a Declining Revenue - Need for the development of a steady stream of income for continuation of quality municipal services. • Newhall Area in Disrepair - Concern over the need to construct improvements in Newhall. • Role of City -Define the role of the City of Santa Clarita in relation to that of other governmental agencies. • Senior Services and Senior Center - Continue quality services offered to the senior population within the City. • City's Boundaries vs. Valley's Boundaries - Desire for the City of Santa Clarita's boundaries to be equal to that of the boundaries of the entire Santa Clarita Valley. • Increase Planning and Communication of Agencies within the Valley - Various agencies must understand each other's roles and changing objectives. • Preserve Small Businesses - Concern that small businesses are not being protected or encouraged in the City. • Racism in Schools - Increasing need to fight against racism within our schools. AGE 1 2. `. SHARE THE VISION If SECTION I - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY • Sphere of Influence - Desire to obtain an appropriate sphere of influence. • Major (private or public) University - Ongoing demand for a major four year university within the City. • Bicycle -Friendly Trails and Transportation - Lack of availability of bike trails within the City. Concern also exists over the lack of on -street bike paths. • Lack of Educational Opportunities - Perceived lack of educational opportunities for our young people and adults. • Historical Preservation - Preserve the historical aspects of the community and assure that it will not be lost or deteriorate due to new development. • Canyon Country and Newhall Areas Hodge-Podge - Development of an architectural theme for Canyon Country and Newhall. • Library System - Desire for the City to take over and expand the library system. • Lack of Assistance for New Businesses - Suggestions that the City implement a business incubator project. • Dillenbeck's - Concern over the vacant Dillenbeck's building being a an eyesore which encourages graffiti and other vandalism. • Teen Program - Desire to unify and strengthen the current teen programs. • Lack of Family Entertainment and Cultural Opportunities - Address issues of little family entertainment and increase our cultural opportunities.. • Attract Industry -Attract new industry to the area to maintain strong economic base. • Police Department -Request to establish a City Police Department • Significant Ecological Areas - Preserve significant ecological areas. • Day Laborers - Concern over the day laborers along San Fernando Road. • Gang Issues - Address gang issues City-wide. PAGE 13 SHARE THE VISION II $ECTION I - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY Other Areas Don't Know Who We Are Need strong identity and communication of the resources we offer. • We Need More Recycling - Desire to do even more to reduce our flow of waste out of the City, and exceed AB939 goals. • Not Enough Tourism or Filming - Increase the filming and tourism business in the Santa Clarita Valley. • Establish an Economic Development Corporation - Development of economic development corporation, designed to take comprehensive look at community needs. • No Symphony - Formulation of a symphony in Santa Clarita. • Shopping Center Doesn't Include Nordstroms - Ongoing request for the Valencia Town Center to include a Nordstroms and other high end retail stores. • Not Enough Youth Services for Teens - Lack of adequate quality services for youth and teens in Santa Clarita. • Not Enough Modem Business Parks Throughout the City - Desire for more modern business parks throughout the City, not just in one area to encourage business to locate/remain here. • Alternative Fuel Vehicles - Perceived lack of alternative fuel vehicles utilized throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. • Regional Park - No regional park with complete amenities available within. the City limits. • Schools and Districts all on Different Schedules - Schools and districts and on the same year-round schedule. • Traffic Study Plan - Lack of complete plan to address traffic problems in the City. • Tournament of Roses Float - Desire for the City have representation in the annual Tournament of Roses parade by obtaining afloat. PAGE 14 SHARE. THE VISION II SECTION I - STATE Or THE COMMUNITY • Asbestos in Older Schools - Concern regarding the hazards of asbestos in some of the older schools. There is a desire to renovate these schools. • Education Advisory Board - Need for the City to establish an education advisory board to address school -related issues. • City Playgrounds - Citizens would like to see playgrounds and equipment in City parks improved. • Canyon Country Landscaping - Determine the means for "greening" Canyon Country. • Environmentally -Wise Industries - Attract more environmentally conscious industries to Santa Clarita. • Animal Control and Welfare of Animals - Assure provision for animal control and overall welfare. • Paramedic Services Expand current paramedic services to better meet the needs of the community. • Not Enough Youth Sport Programs - Concern that without the option of organized sports for some youths, there may be an increase in the delinquency rate. • Guns with Children - Address need to do more to keep guns away from children. • Include Schools in Redevelopment - Request to include the schools in the Redevelopment Agency's projects. • Local Businesses - Improve the City business retention efforts with local businesses. • Trails - Expand trail system throughout the City. • Senior Housing - Perceived lack of affordable housing for senior citizens. • Outdoor Amphitheater- Establish and/or construct an outdoor amphitheater, and expand cultural activities offered in the area. PAGE 15 . SHARE THE VISION II SECTION I - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY • Annexation Policy - Need fora proactive, aggressive annexation policy to generate additional sales tax, as well as to plan for future development in these areas. • Hotels and Meeting/Banquet Facilities - Establish hotel with meeting and banquet facilities of sufficient size. Currently, these facilities are limited in size and number. • Economic Resources - Protect our current and future economic resources from the County • Street Sweeping Services -Need for increased frequency of street sweeping throughout the community. • City ID Signs Place City identification signs at boundaries to increase awareness and improve overall image. • Town Hall Center in Canyon Country - Desire to construct a town hall center in the Canyon Country area with library and postal facilities. • Problems with I-5 - Concern over the ongoing difficulty in getting the State to prioritize the widening of the 1-5 from the Antelope Valley into Santa Clarita. • Airport - Development of a regional airport in Santa Clarita. • Growth Issues - Continued concern of rampant growth outside of City boundaries. • Child Care Centers - Establish child care centers within the City's park system. Make "Share the Vision" Strategic Planning Process Ongoing - Conduct progress on an ongoing basis with annual reviews; rather than waiting the full three years. • Code Enforcement - Concern that there is not enough code enforcement presence throughout the community. • Heritage of Communities - Maintain historical aspects of the individual communities. PAGE 16 . SHARE THE VISION II SECTION I - STATE OF THE COMMUNITY • Heritage Junction - Desire to increase tourism, preserve the Valley's history, and develop Heritage Junction as a tourist site. • Children's Museum - Obtain/develop a children's museum in the community. • Vacant Land Along I-5 -Preserve some of the open space, and to control the growth in the outlying areas. Acquire the vacant land along I-5. • Status of Women - Concern that not enough is being done on women's issues throughout the community. There is a desire to establish a commission to address these issues.. • Vote by Computer - Establish the means for citizens to vote via their home computers. • Historical Theme Park - Establish a historical theme park in the Newhall area of the City which would play on the already established western theme. PAGE 17 . SHARE THE VISION II SECTION II - ASSESSMENT OF ETERNAL CONDITIONS SECTION II - ASSESSMENT OF EXTERNAL CONDITIONS Having identified the immediate issues facing the community, the next step in the process was to identify those groups, individuals and agencies that the community has to interact with and also identify the trends regarding each. As mentioned previously, the planning period for Santa Clarita's Strategic Plan is three years. As such, the task was to identify those who comprise the service population, those who provide resources, regulate our community and identify who the competitors are. Who is our service population, and what are the trends associated with them? Service Population Trends • Lower Income Population Need for housing is increasing; family homelessness is increasing. • Youth The youth of the community are increasingly bored. There appears to be a lack of parental guidance. The preschool population is increasing and there is an overall lack of discipline exhibited among the youth of our community. • Mobile Home Owners Mobile home owners throughout the City appear to be more vocal and active. There is a determined and definite need for more parks, while the number of mobile home units appear to be decreasing. • Commuters There is increasing gridlock along SR -14 and I-5 as the communities of Palmdale and Lancaster continue to grow and expand as communities to the west of the City continue to grow and expand. In addition, daily gridlock among the major intercity thoroughfares appears to be increasing. • Under Employed The amount of under employed, or those employed in classifications below their experience, i.e, education level, appears to be increasing at national, state and local level. • Earthquake Victims Victims of the January 17, 1994 earthquake appear to be unsure of their future and the status of continuing federal, state and local programs currently at their disposal. PAGE 1 8 �,: SHARE THE VISION II SECTION II - ASSESSMENT OF ETERNAL .CONDITIONS • New Residents We anticipate an increase in the number of new residents within the City and Valley over the next three years. • Minority Population There appears to be growing minority population. They appear to be less culturally tolerant. • Senior Citizens The amount of senior citizens based on recent trend information appears to be growing. They are also becoming a more vocal and politically powerful force at national, state and local levels.. • Families High divorce rate; disintegration of the traditional family; increased diversity in role of parents, children, and grandparents within families. • Small Business Owners Small business owners are increasingly threatened by big business, i.e. big box commercial, and are in fear of being chased out by larger retail firms. r Consumers They are more demanding, looking for a good deal. Want high quality stores and products. • Unemployed They are undereducated. • Mass Transit The trend toward mass transit usage is improving, The rider base is becoming increasingly diversified and educated. Who are our resources providers, and what are the trends associated with them? Resource Providers Trends City The City, as a resource provider, is increasingly providing more and more service to the citizens of the Valley. However, like many local agencies, they are forced to provide more service with less resources. School Districts They are also receiving fewer dollars. They have more demand placed on them for diversity of education curriculum. They are facing larger class sizes. PAGE 19 SNARE THE VISION 11 SECTION II - ASSESSMENT OF EXTERNAL CONDITIONS. • State of California They are continuing to face large deficits and will continue to take additional dollars from cities to balance their budget. Cities anticipate more mandates and balanced budgeting actions on the backs of the cities. • Tax Payers They are continuing to feel overtaxed. • Water Companies There is apparently less availability, more demand, and more demand of control on behalf of the districts. • Utilities Waste handling is increasing; need for more community participation in their provision of services. • Non -Profit Firms The number of non-profit firms is increasing. They are more visible. • Libraries There are fewer resources available to libraries for funding, however, there is increasing demand. • Churches There is an increasing demand for services provided through interfaith councils and various ministries for social services, as well as other assistance. • Charitable Organizations The number of charitable organization is growing. • Sheriffs Department The Sheriffs Department; as a whole, will face increase challenges in the future. Therefore, they will require more training in a variety of different areas and need to become experts in many different fields in order to remain proactive in their response to up and coming problems. • Cable Television There will be more competition among the various cable television industries, which may result in increased and improved programming. • Business Owners There will be more home businesses. They will be more demanding. PAGE 20 N. SHARE THE VISION II SECTION II ASSESSMENT of ETERNAL CONDITIONS Who are our regulators, and what are the trends associated with them? Regulators Trends City Expanding regulations. We will assume more areas of responsibility from the County. We may be in the water business. We will desire to have more control over the destiny of the City. Homeowner's Associations They will require more services. Federal Agencies There will be a reduction in services. t CEQA CEQA will continue to be strengthened and become more complex. • OSHA They will be more involved. LAFCO LAFCO may become more understanding of Santa Clarita issues. Who are our competitors, and what are the trends associated with them? Competitors Trends • Antelope Valley More competition for transit funds. Increased competition for quality businesses and retail establishments to increase revenue base. • Bakersfield More advertising and competition from Bakersfield. • County of Los Angeles Increase in battle for shrinking revenues. • Other States Increased competition for jobs/employees. Romancing more and more businesses to relocate. PAGE 21 o r SHARE THE VISION II SECTION II - ASSESSMENT OF EXTERNAL CONDITIONS • Central Valley Farmers Ongoing competition for water resources. • Other Countries Increased competition for business relocation and jobs. In addition to the trends indicated for our regulators and competitors, there are additional events occurring in the national and state economy which may have an impact on the City during our planning period. These trends include: California Economy • Aerospace will continue to lose jobs through 1997 (100,000). • Strong gains in trade and service industry jobs are anticipated. • Slower population growth and lower unemployment rates are anticipated for state (6.2%). • Growth will be seen in construction, motion picture, and trade industries throughout the planning period. • Building permits for single and multi -unit dwellings will increase throughout the planning period from 100,000 to 200,000 units by 1997. • Birth rate continuing to decline by 2% per year. National Economy • California is anticipated to gain jobs in services, retail, and construction. • Job growth will but pace the nation in 1996-97. • Aerospace Industry will continue to contract. • Unemployment in anticipated to remain stable at 6.2% during the planning period. • Inflation is anticipated to fluctuate slightly; ranging from 2.6% in 1994 to 2.9% in 1997. • The percentage change in CPI will decrease over the planning period. • Nationally housing starts will remain stable at approximately 9%, while interest/mortgage rates will hover at 7.9%. P.oce 22 Y. . SHARE THE VISION II SECTION III - VISION OF THE FUTURE SECTION III - VISION OF THE FUTURE Having determined the current issues facing the community, and having identified trends which may signal new community issues in the future, the participants were given the assignment to determine what the community might look like in 1997. They were to determine best and worst case scenarios, and then validate those scenarios in terms of a "reality check," that is, determine what most realistically will occur. The participants' first task was to envision what would occur if we failed to plan, turned our back to change and emerging trends, and if the community did nothing. Identifying the worst case scenario should motivate Santa Clarita to strive to attain the best. VISION OF THE FUTURE - WORST CASE SCENARIO • Our community will be similar to the San Fernando Valley; overdeveloped, overcrowded with no open space remaining. • Slums will be a reality in all areas of the community. • Gridlock will increase to the point where traffic is virtually stopped at intersections waiting for signals to change three times. • Retail businesses will relocate outside city limits and cause us to lose much needed revenues. Elsmere Canyon will be "the world's largest dump". • There will be massive increase in crime and gangs in all areas of the community. Residents will be afraid to leave their homes. • We will have doubled population and have less jobs for residents. • The National Health system will be limited to only those with money. • The education system will decline, schools will be open shorter hours for fewer days. Children will not receive a quality education. • Mobile homes will decrease placing those residents on the streets. • Graffiti vandalism will be rampant throughout entire community. Taggers will mark every PAGE 23 SHARE THE VISION II SECTION III - VISION OF THE FUTURE building in sight. • Santa Clara River will not be preserved and will be developed in an improper manner.. • Water pollution and water rationing will be a reality, • There will be uncontrolled growth in the unincorporated areas. No ridgelines will be preserved. • We will be struck with an 8.4 earthquake before we have fully recovered from the last one. City and residents will not be prepared. • Red light districts will be located throughout the City. • There will be increased racial polarization in the schools and throughout all areas of the community. • The schools will be over crowded impacting the ability of teachers to educate and children to learn. The following are other potential negative scenarios seen by the participants: • More smog. • Another city West of I-5. • More hazardous materials/less roads • Increased loss of natural beauty. • Deterioration of City's infrastructure. • Building on skyline. • Loss of volunteers. • Unclean City. • More billboards. • City will become bankrupt. • City Council unresponsive to community. • Increased development along MTA route. • More bureaucracy which ignores community input. • Animal shelter will close. • Increased population outside City. • Prisoners will escape from Wayside. Pace 24 SHARE THE VISION II SECTION III - VISION OF TNF FUTURE VISION OF THE FUTURE - BEST CASE SCENARIO Now ... let's dream! The best case scenario allows the participants the opportunity to list many of the items that they would like to see occur in our community over the next several years. This process is often very motivational and an enhancement to the overall planning process. • All five school districts within the community will unify and coordinate a compatible schedule. • There will be an emphasis on achieving quality of life. • The success of the College of the Canyons and Masters College programs have helped persuade the University of California Regents that Santa Clarita is the ideal community for the new U.C. Santa Clarita. • There will be no blighted areas anywhere in Santa Clarita, or in the unincorporated areas, • The majority of residents work within Santa Clarita at one of the many environmentally conscious businesses which have relocated here. On their lunch hours, people will shop at the new Nordstrom's in the Valencia Town Center. • We will be the number one safest city. Other cities will be clamoring for us to provide lectures and a training program to teach them how to achieve our level of success. • We will have a linear river park where people can go for numerous recreational activities including fishing, swimming, and paddle -boating. Along the river will be several lovely cafes and coffee houses where friends come to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. • Mass Transit System will be in place, and we will have the ability to drive through the community within a half hour. People are able to leave their automobile at home and walk to one of the many transit pick up points where they will be transported throughout the City. • We will increase City boundaries to include Magic Mountain. People identify Magic Mountain as "that theme park located in Santa Clarita." • We have a commercial retail evening gathering place that includes cafes, shopping and other points of interest. This area is centrally located in the City and all residents have easy access to it. • There is a focus on arts, and culture. The new performing arts center is fully operational and houses the Santa Clarita orchestra and ballet company. • Voter participation will increased by 60!. There are lines at all polling places as people PAGE 25 S . SECTION III - VISION OF patiently wait their tum to vote in every election. Residents remember when voter apathy was a problem. • Old Town Newhall is rebuilt and safe. Visitors come from miles around to tour through the quaint western theme streets and shops. Many residents own successful businesses within the area and local youth clamor for work there. • We have a gang free community. All residents of the community have come together to address the issue of gangs and gang -related crimes and have completely eradicated all gang influence in the area. We are looked at as a role model for other cities. A conference center is completed and our marketing plan highlights the center's many amenities. • We are known as the most beautiful community. We have won numerous awards for our City- wide landscaping theme. Photographs of Santa Clarita grace numerous national publications.. Unique architectural themes run through each of the communities making each distinctive, yet consistent with one another. The following are other items identified by the participants that could be included in a best case scenario: • Libraries will be restored and opened more days with longer hours, providing specific programs for youth and seniors. Elected officials will not become controlled by special interest. • Schools will be safer with weapon free and gang free campuses, and teachers and students will be able to focus on education. • Major businesses will relocate to the Santa Clarita Valley. • General Plan will be complete and in use. • Nuclear free community.. • Good senior citizen's home and orphanage will be established. • Defeat of the Elsmere Dump campaign. Known as the gateway to Los Angeles. • All government meetings will be televised live on cable. • Santa Clarita Valley will be the next film capitol of the world. • Centralized civic center, including meeting places and frequent cultural events. • City -owned and homeowner -owned mobile home parks will be created. • Local paper to serve readers, not advertisers. • Municipal recreation complex to include golf courses will be created and opened to the public. • Biotech industries will relocate in Santa Clarita. • Community -wide plan to address needs of families and youth in the upcoming century. PAGE 26 SHARE THE VISION II • Storefronts along San Fernando Road are fully restored. • We will have a community coordinating committee. • No "nudie bars," male or female within Santa Clarita. • Ample, pristine open space. • Outdoor amphitheater is up and running. • Fully linked bike trails throughout the Valley. • Traffic rating will improve to "A" or "B". • Crime rate will be lower. • Workable ground water plan. • City's transportation and transit services will be fully integrated. • Eight more public tennis courts. • Nationally -recognized, zero tolerance gang and graffiti campaign. VISION OF THE FUTURE - REALITY CHECK OF THE FUTURE While brainstorming a best and worst case scenario helps us to truly stretch our imaginations, it is also necessary to create a clear vision and focus on what we as a community can realistically achieve. This "reality check" lists those items the participants believed to realistically occur in the next three years. • There will be no blighted areas. • We will be the number one safest city. • We will have a linear river park. • We will have a commercial retail gathering. • We will sponsor frequent cultural events. • We will have increased voter participation. • Santa Clarita will be a gang free community. • We will have a nuclear free community. • We will build a conference center and market place. • Citizens will be less dependent on the automobile. • Old Town Newhall will be rebuilt and safe. • Major businesses will relocate to the Santa Clarita Valley. • We will defeat the Elsmere Dump. • All government meetings will be televised live on cable. • Santa Clarita Valley will be the next film capital of the world. • There will be a centralized civic center, including meeting places and frequent cultural events. • City -owned and homeowner -owned mobile home parks will be created. • Biotech "clean" industries will relocate in Santa Clarita. • We will have a community -wide plan to address needs of families and youth in the upcoming century. PAGE 27 SHARE THE VISION II SECTION III - VISION OF THE FUTURE • We will have a community coordinating committee. • There will be ample, pristine open space. • More bike trails that will be fully linked and run throughout the Valley • We will have a workable ground water plan. • The City's transportation and transit services will be fully integrated. • Nordstrom's department store will be added to the Valencia Town Center. • We will have a nationally -recognized, zero tolerance gang and graffiti campaign. PAGE. 26 �. :�i SHARE THE VISION II SECTION IV COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT SECTION IV - COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT Having identified major community issues and trends, as well as envisioning alternatives of what Santa Clarita might look like at the end of the planning period in 1997, participants were asked to analyze the community's capabilities and resources.. Additionally, they were asked to assess the City organization's ability to meet present and future demands. Primarily, they were to identify what the strengths and liabilities of the community are. This is based upon public expectations of the community and, specifically, the City of Santa Clarita. The group exercise began by identifying liabilities, or things to which we need to devote more time. Again, they were encouraged to remember that overall, the community is doing exceptionally well, but that there are still areas that need more attention. What We Need to Spend More Time On • Job/housing imbalance • Apathy of citizens • Infrastructure not in place with growth • Recreation focused on youth • Canyon Country • Lack of parks • Lack of water resources • Possibility of location of largest landfill • Child care • Potential increased gang activity • Decline of ethical standards • Increasing bureaucracy • Newspaper reporting • Concern about loss of river and other natural resources • Polarity in community; need to resolve conflict • Lack of communication/coordination with other agencies • Racial intolerance • Inability to plan in unincorporated areas • Dependency on County for services • Decline of Newhall • Lack of focus and understanding as to what City can do • Need for restaurants and meeting facilities • High ozone area • Need for arterial roads • Three current; two proposed dumps • Lack of attention given to modern family • Core of history; downtown Newhall is disintegrating PACE 20 , SECTION IV - COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT • School districts need to prepare for diversity • Perceived isolation of decision -makers • State route 14 traffic problems • Lack of cultural events and facilities • Lack of major retail within City • Newhall residents feel ignored • Lack of City identity • Too much dependence on consultants • Increased single-family homes turning into rentals • Lack of youth events • Lack of high school physical education facilities • Need for shelters for victims of domestic violence and children • Lack of mobile home policy • `'Tell It to the Signal" -anonymous • Two governments instead of one - county and city conflict • Need improved community -wide communication • Reduce duplication of services • Lack of homeless shelters • Lack of advertising in local papers for civil service jobs • Removal of bike lanes • Demand for services only exceeded by reluctance to pay • Need for bus shelters • Need for local airport Assessment of What We Do Well • Community involvement • _ Trees and open space • Professional management • Natural beauty • Good Sheriff, Police and Fire Departments • Good volunteer base • Schools • Chambers of Commerce • Healthcare centers • Low crime rate • Valencia Town Center • Disaster preparedness program • Unique historic resources • Parks and recreation facilities • Excellent reputation with other cities PAGE 30 SHARE THE VISION 11 • Good geographical boundaries • Diverse community • Zero -Tolerance graffiti campaign • Santa Clara River • Train Stations • Good water system • Multi -modal transit • Trails • Local paper • Quality Public Works department • Total Quality Management • Newhall Land and Farming Company • Major roads • Anti -gang task force • Local radio station, community involvement • Excellent City staff • Three major colleges • After school programs • Beautiful industrial park (third largest) • Tourist attraction • Filming in Santa Clarita Valley • Opposition to landfill at Elsmere • Good proximity to Los Angeles • Concerts in the parks • Rich history and Historical Society • Well educated work force • High graduate rate • Active senior citizens • "Nationally renowned" runners club • Over -abundance of special interest groups • Plentiful church groups IV - COMMUNITY Pnce 3 I . ti. SHARE THE VISION II SECTION V - REVIEw POINT SECTION V - REVIEW POINT Having gone through the many steps in the strategic planning process, it was important for the participants to go back and review what had transpired during the course of the day. This also allowed the group to seek clarification and to prioritize the issues/trends/vision objectives that they might want to focus on. To conduct the review of the progress to date, all were asked to read each of the items listed, as well as their notes taken throughout the day. PAGE 32 O fi SHARE. THE VISION 11 SECTION VI'- COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT SECTION VI - COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT The vision or mission statement provides direction for the City. It is the way to tum the desired vision of the community into reality. It is not unlike what a Chief Executive Officer would say to the employees throughout the corporation as to what the philosophy or primary objectives of the organization are. It will serve as a guideline for the continued development of the community. It provides a departure point, a sense of direction, and a desired destination. Finally, it serves as a validation check from Gme-to-time to assure the community is still headed in the right direction. A vision statement should not be so brief that it is so vague or general it has no value. It is not a one liner like something at the top of a letterhead or on the bumper of a police patrol vehicle. People throughout the community need to understand the key objectives. Conversely, it should not be so detailed or lengthy that it is hard to determine what is really important. The vision statement should not exceed one page, so that it can be displayed at key locations throughout the community. The participants broke into four work groups to identify the key issues that they felt were necessary as elements of the City of Santa Clarita's Mission Statement. From each group's comments, the following mission statement was created; As citizens of Santa Clarita, we are proud of our community and wish to continue to make it a place that future generations will live. it We value a safe, dean, and healthy community. iv We appreciate the need for responsive planning with a balanced distribution of service. 2 We encourage and support the needs of our local businesses and strive for quality and equitable economic development. 2 We value our unique environment and will continually protect and manage our open space, river land, significant ecological areas, and natural resources. F We appreciate diversity and will continue to foster an environment where hatred and bigotry cannot exist. PAGE 33 SHARE THE VISION II PACE 34 SECTION VI- COMMUNITY VISION 2 We value our Valley's history and will protect our unique historical sites and treasured heritage. P, We promote high educational standards within our schools and will continue to strive for enhanced educational opportunities for our youth. W We value the need for effective long term transportation and infrastructure planning which will serve the needs of our citizens well into the 21st century. W We treasure our youth and appreciate the need to instill in them a sense of responsibility and leave them with a city they will love. 2 Wre value our City Council and respect the need for an open and responsive government which will continue to respond to the needs of our citizens. SHARE THE VISION II SECTION VII'- ACTION PLAN SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN The Action Plan is critical to the implementation of the Strategic Plan as a whole. It is this section of the plan that specifically outlines the work effort directed to these items over the next three years. The items on the Action Plan represent those areas the participants in the strategic planning process ranked as highest priority. The ranking of each item is reflected in Exhibit 3. The Action Plan presented was formally adopted by the City Council at their meeting of December 13, 1995. In order to ensure that all action items are completed within the time frames specified, quarterly updates to the plan are scheduled. Additionally, the participants requested that an annual update be conducted with all participants invited in order to provide the group with the status of each of the items. STRATEGIC PLAN ACTION PROGRAM A continuing concern to residents of Santa Clarita is the lack of adequate roads throughout the Valley, especially an east/west road. Suggestions included developing four or five different plans and prioritizing specific alignments; having Council look at the different alternatives and vote for their preference and imposing a time limit. The City should work with developers and Congress to get complete buy -in. Throughout the process, there needs to be continuous communication with the community. Key items within the plan include: Present roadway options to City Council. ReceiveCouncil and public comment on options. Target Date: March 1995 Conduct public participation. Target Date: April 1995 Present findings from public participation and present a tentative construction schedule. Target Date: May 1995 Identify and select a funding source/mechanism for construction of the new roadway. Target Date: April 1995 PAce 35 SHARE THE V1510N II SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN Complete design of roadway and complete CEQA process. Target Date: March 1996 Complete construction of roadway. Target Date: September 1997 Responsible Party: Lynn Harris Work with school districts county and other governmental agencies to explore the creation of a joint powers authority. Target Date: December 1995 If feasible, create a joint powers authority to provide grants to groups who directly and positively affect youth. Target Date: December 1996 Develop a community -wide Youth Master Plan involving a cross section of the community (Interfaith Council, youth, schools, business, etc.) including those of adjacent unincorporated communities. Target Dater December 1995 Develop a youth leadership program for today and the future. Target Date: December 1996 Develop more parks and alternative recreational programs for youth. Showcase talent of local youth. Target Date: December 1997 Responsible Party: Rick Putnam Hire a firm to develop a comprehensive plan which will remain sensitive to and address issues of architecture and history of the valley. Target Date: January 1995 PACE 36 SHARE THE VISION II SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN Develop a program to encourage and capitalize on the involvement of the residents and merchants of the two areas. Target Date: Newhall - October 1995 Canyon Country - October 1996 Determine tool to include and involve other agencies in overall planning. Target Date: Newhall - October 1995 Canyon Country - October 1996 Increase code enforcement in the area. Target Date: Newhall - October 1995 Canyon Country - October 1995 Responsible Party: Don Duckworth Continue to research and develop alternatives to landfills, i.e. recycling, source reduction, rail haul. Target Date: January 1998 Increase education efforts with the community by televising council meetings, conducting speakers' bureau presentations and holding public information meetings throughout the community. Target Date: July 1995 Provide the community with a clear understanding of what it will take to defeat the proposed landfill and to exceed AB939 mandates. Target Date: July 1995 Determine strategy for review of EIR, lobbying officials, and federal legislation. Target Date: July 1995 Secure support of Supervisor Antonovich on City's efforts. Target Date: January 1997 Determine comprehensive general policy statement for City regarding expansion and/or siting of landfills. Target Date: July 1995 Responsible Party: Jeff Kolin PAc E 37 �, SHARE THE VISION 11 SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN Develop a program to target at -risk youth early; get them jobs when they're teens, and involve the teens and their parents in formulating the solutions. Target Date: December 1995 Determine means to get at -risk youth and gangs involved in the community to provide them a sense of belonging; encourage positive changes and opportunities. Target Date: October 1997 Work with the school districts, the community and the Sheriff s on a total comprehensive effort. Make use of existing resources, i.e. the teen center. Target Date: October 1997 Encourage and provide peer counseling; support positive alternatives. Target Date: December 1995 Develop a "Latch -key" program with youth & seniors. Target Date: December 1995 Develop alternative recreation programs (varied times and locations). Target Date: December 1995 Ensure Newhall Community Center is a success. Target Date: June 1995 Incorporate goals of Gang Task Force in overall strategy. Target Date: December 1995 Responsible Party: Ken Pulskamp Develop a logical strategy with critical time line for types and quantity of business to target in for Santa Clarita in planning period. (Include corporate headquarters.) Target Date: September 1995 Work with existing businesses to retain and expand current economic base. Target Date: September 1995 PAGE 36 .. SHARE THE VISION II SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN Contact emerging and changing industries. Target Date: September 1995 Attract more entertainment/film industry representation. Target Date: September 1995 Develop a program for existing business assistance. Target Date: September 1995 Provide incentive programs - build on county and state programs. Target Date: September 1995 Create a coalition of business and community leaders. Target Date: September 1995 Play up the unique strengths of the community in the marketing material to attract new industry and offices. Target Date: September 1995 Target auto leasing companies in attraction efforts. Target Date: September 1995 Review and consider potential for expansion of point of sale and other coding to ensure City is realizing all funds possible. Target Date: September 1995 Consider feasibility of an enterprise zone on the redevelopment corridor. Target Date: September 1995 Responsible Party: Mike Haviland Market existing cultural arts amenities, i.e. historical, school, and colleges; show local talent on public access. Use and assist Cal Arts to improve the town/gown relations. Target Date: December 1997 Make greater use of parks for cultural and performing arts shows and exhibits. Target Date: December 1996 PAGE 39 S�. SHARE THE VISION II SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN Conduct youth concerts, drama and other events throughout the year. Target Date: December 1996 Provide computer/modem access to the community calendar. Target Date: June 1996 Research the feasibility of developing a regional park/outdoor amphitheater. Target Date: November 1996 Explore funding to expand current cultural arts/opportunities (Ballet in the Park). Target Date: November 1995 Responsible Party: Rick Putnam Implement the open space portion of the General Plan. Use a respectable approach to control growth. Target Date: June 1997 Focus on the Santa Clara River and purchase of adjacent available land. Target Date: May 1997 Use Proposition A and other available bond money, apply for grants, and explore funding sources through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and existing JPA. Target Date: June 1996 Coordinate efforts with that of surrounding cities and other governmental agencies. Target Date: November 1995 Implement river use master plan. Target Dater June 1996 Adopt Parks, Recreation and Community Services Master Plan. Target Date: December 1996 Responsible Party: Rick Putnam PAGE 40 4. SHARE THE VISION II $EOTION VII - ACTION PLAN Institute program of "Community Policing" and walk the beat. Target Date: June 1995 Conduct more neighborhood watch training programs with the involvement of the entire community, including youth. Target Date: December 1995 Provide for more youth programs and increase advertising for existing programs. Target Date: December 1995 Develop program to ensure law enforcement is responsive to the City and understands the needs and expectations of their clients. Target Date: June 1995 Analyze feasibility of utilizing non sworn personnel for SANE activities. Target Date: July 1995 Focus on implementation of crime prevention activities. Target Date: Ongoing Responsible Party: Mike Quinn Provide public information and communicate with the public (use public access) regarding what redevelopment is, the benefits, and what it can do for the community., Show the positive results of redevelopment. Target Date: June 1995 Develop targeted beautification programs city-wide. Resolve litigation. Target Date: June 1996 Target Date: March 1995 Proceed with implementation of initial Community Action Plan. Target Date: July 1996 PACE 4 1 SHARE THE VISION II .SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN Develop key group of advocates for recovery efforts. Target Date: June 1996 Responsible Party: Don Duckworth Implement shuttle service from the Valencia Industrial Center to the Valencia Town Center and other frequently visited areas of the City. Target Date: Completed Develop a multi -modal transportation center (or centers) throughout the Valley. Target Date: November 1997 Increase and improve the Dial -a -Ride program.. Target Date: Ongoing Market current program to represent full range of services currently offered. Target Date: Ongoing Increase use of transit system by residents of Antelope Valley to Industrial center. Target Date: June 1995 Complete Transit Master plan to include tie-in of transit to complimentary land uses. Ensure that items reflected with the Master Plan reflect ongoing needs of other traffic safety and engineering needs and standards. Target Date: December 1995 Develop long term secure funding scenario which may accommodate: • Acquisition of Metrolink Station(s) and • Future bus acquisition. • Recommendations of Transit Master Plan. Target Date: June 1996 Develop program with Newhall Land and Farming and other Cities to secure Ventura right-of-way. Target Date: July 1995 Complete Commuter Trail. Target Date: July 1995 PACE 42 SHARE THE VISION II SECTION VII • ACTION PIAN Increase overall transit system usage by 10% per year. Target Date: Annually Responsible Party: Jeff Kohn Encourage the development of aesthetically pleasing, affordable housing throughout Santa Clarita. Target Date: February 1996 Disperse affordable housing throughout the City. Target Date: December 1997 Continue to use the Community Housing Assistance Strategy (CHAS) plan and Community Development Block Grant Program. Target Date: Ongoing Implement the housing element of the General Plan. Preserve and improve the mobile home parks. Target Date: Ongoing Target Date: January 1997 Develop a realistic plan for distribution on H.O.M.E. and C.D.B.G. monies. Target Date: March 1995 Develop affording plan for the City. Target Date: June 1996 Responsible Party: Don Duckworth Wa U1 aW:0yaIIS!S110i;M With LAFCO executive staff, identify feasible four to six part phasing of City's SOI expansion into unincorporated areas of the Santa Clarita Valley. Target Date: January 1995 Possible phasing: (A) North Area/Saugus (north from City to Angeles National Forest (''ANF"), east from I-5 to LA Aqueduct); (B) Northeast Area/Canyon Country (north from City to ANF, east from LA Aqueduct to Hart HS District boundary); (C) Southeast PAce 43 e. SNARE THE VISION II SECTION VII - ACTION PIAN Area/Canyon Country -Sand Canyon (east from City to ANF/Hart HS District boundary, south from City/SR-14 to ANF, exclusive of Elsmere Canyon); (D) South Area/Newhall (south from City to SR -14/1-5 interchange); (E) Southwest Area/Newhall-Towsley' Canyon (west from City/I-5 to unidentified properties east of LA County line, north from unidentified properties to McBean Parkway); and (F) West Area/Unidentified properties (west from City/I-5 to unidentified properties east of LA County line, north from McBean Parkway to unidentified properties north/SR-126). Target Date: January 1995 File SOI amendment request with LAFCO for Phase One. Target Date: February 1995 Complete SOI amendment request with LAFCO for Phase One. Target Dater May 1995 Timing of subsequent phases to be filed, per LAFCO executive staff suggestion, dependent on success of Phase One effort. ANNEXATIONS Vista Del Canon - Complete annexation with the LAFCO. Target Date: April 1995 Builders Discount - Complete annexation with the LAFCO. Target Date: March 1995 Bouquet Park - Initiate annexation with the LAFCO. Target Date: March 1995 Seco Canyon- Initiate annexation with the LAFCO. Target Date: March 1995 North Valencia "pocket Initiate annexation with the LAFCO. Target Date: April 1995 Towsley Canyon - Initiate annexation with the LAFCO, upon the request of the SMM Conservancy JPA. Westside - Support resident/property owner annexation, to be filed directly to the LAFCO. Date uncertain, perhaps June 1995. PAGE 44 SNARE THE VISION It SECTION VII - ACTION PLAN Processing schedule for annexations to be filed with the LAFCO includes time required for City actions for prezoning, environmental review, and fiscal impact analysis. Target Date: Ongoing COUNTY MONITORING Review all county projects located in the SCV to determine potential for significant impact to the community. Target Date: Ongoing At Council's direction, undertake other efforts to appropriately communicate the City's concems/issues to the County. Target Date: Ongoing TEST DMS STRATEGY Pursue required compliance with County DMS program as a means to directly and indirectly influence the County's land use decisions, using the County Monitoring effort to identify projects which do not demonstrate such compliance. Target Date: Ongoing Pursue legal action against a suitable County project (e.g., the "Colony" project) to test viability of using DMS compliance to influence County land use decisions, and as a basis to effectively challengelovertum County decisions deemed not the interest of the public health and safety. Target Date: January 1995 Pending outcome/decision of the above action, identify and pursue additional projects also vulnerable for testing the DMS compliance strategy. Target Date: January 1996 Responsible Party: Lynn Harris Determine opportunities to develop Class I, II and III bicycle trails, and tie into the existing trail system in the City. Target Date: June 1996 Promote use of bicycles as alternative mode of transportation. Target Date: December 1996 PACE 45 SECTION VII ` ACTION PIAN Explore opportunities to incorporate bike lanes on main surface streets throughout the City. Target Date: December 1997 Develop list of future trails and anticipated dates completion. Target Date: October 1995 Adopt a City wide bike plan. Target Date: October 1996 Responsible Party: Rick Putnam Work with citizens to encourage and maintain pride in their neighborhoods. Work with property/business owners to assure zero tolerance for blight; make it easy to get graffiti removed. Target Date: Ongoing Continue to work with Chambers of Commerce to conduct annual Pride Week event. Target Date: Ongoing Provide Hotline number for people to call in problem areas. Target Date: Done Remove Dillenbeck's. Target Date: June 1995 Responsible Party: Don Duckworth Develop multifaceted, community based program such as the Human Relation Forum for cultural awareness to instill appreciation among youth which will begin in early grades and continue throughout formal education program. Target Date: December 1996 Establish a comprehensive sister city program which embraces and brings to our community components of our sister city culture. Target Date: December 1995 PACE 46 ��. SHARE THE VISION II Reinstate cultural awareness programs such as cultural awareness week. Target Date: December 1995 Develop exchange programs which allow more students to experience other cultures. Target Date: June 1996 Develop program with media to provide positive stories and information on benefits of diversity. Target Date: December 1995 Responsible Party: Ken Pulskamp Continue the planning efforts for the Civic Center site to specifically address cultural facilities and meeting places. Target Date: December 1995 Grade the Civic Center site. Determine realistic schedule for construction. Target Date: TBD Target Date: July 1995 Work with Porta Bella to ensure compatibility with Master Plan. Target Date: Ongoing Review Civic Center Master plan phasing to determine feasibility of site for immediate use for nature trails and amphitheater in order to maximize our investment in the property. Target Date: December 1995 Responsible Party: Ken Pulskamp Initiate a Public Participation plan to determine what is desired for information/service areas in the community. Target Date: April 1995 PAGE 47 V• Identify potential sites. SECTION VIIACTION PLAN Target Date: June 1995 Develop a realistic budget and funding sources for the project. Target Date: July 1995 Determine realistic schedule for project if deemed appropriate for community. Target Date: September 1995 Implement the new citizen service center. Target Date: December 1995 Responsible Party: Steve Stark Contact Newhall Land and Farm to determine level of interest to participate in the project. Target Date: Immediate Determine feasible location for facility within the City. Target Date: February 1995 Contact various hotels and corporations to determine needs and interest: Target Date: May 1995 Draft a comprehensive strategy for securing facility in conjunction with overall economic development/redevelopment plan. Target Date: October 1995 Reopen discussions regarding Ranch House and surrounding properties with owners. Target Date: June 1995 Responsible Party: Mike Haviland Develop a long range financial plan which will examine various trends and set forth a comprehensive strategy for utilizing city resources. Target Date: December 1995 PAGE 45 SHARE THE VISION II SECTION VII - ACTION PUN Develop a financial strategy for addressing potential critical issues facing the City through out the planning period.. Target Date: December 1995 Assess the impact and feasibility of the implementation of various action plan items to the overall City budget. Target Date: June 1995 Responsible Party: Steve Stark Develop overall strategy consistent with the previously adopted cost -to -provide -service study to ensure fees are assessed at appropriate levels and full costs of service is recovered. Target Date: October 1995 Revisit City Council policy for recovery and implementation of fees and subsidy level. Target Date: October 1995 Responsible Party: Steve Stark Per state law, conduct update of housing element of General Plan. Target Date: April 1996 Complete a center city circulation study and update to circulation element of General Plan. Target Date: April 1995 Conduct an update to the land use element of the General Plan to reflect potential circulation and housing element changes. Target Date: October 1996 Prepare the new social/human services element of the General Plan to address issues of youth, seniors, agency efforts, technology, and increasing diversity of the community. Target Date: October 1996 Responsible Party: Lynn Harris PAGE 49 SHARE THE VISION II CONCLUSION As mentioned throughout the workshop, it is important that the planning process be an ongoing one. "We cannot escape the future by hiding from it, but we can outwit it by advancing on it." The challenge is for the City of Santa Clarita to continue to probe, analyze and conceptualize the future. Since planning is continuous, the next step is the plan review and update. Questions that will need to be posed are: How are we doing to date? Does the future scenario of the City need to be changed based on new data? What action items have been completed, or not completed? Do we need to reevaluate our vision statement to see whether or not it is still valid today. This review and update should be done on a regularly scheduled basis. At the conclusion of the workshop, several of the community participants expressed their pleasure in being able to meet with the City Council, staff and community members and share their particular views without criticism or intimidation. The process was designed to facilitate lines of communication. It is important and incumbent upon us to continue to remain open. Another important objective accomplished was that there was a general consensus as to the direction the City will take from this point on. The outline vision statement provides the target objective. It is critical to remember that policy issues are considered, and we should determine whether or not they are in concert with or in conflict with our vision statement. The tangible long lasting benefits of the process will take place when the action plan items are accomplished. The strategic planning process is more than just a mental exercise. It truly is an action -oriented program. Finally, it was the City Council and staff who wanted to involve the community in the strategic planning process. Even though it is the community's plan, the City is responsible to put it into effect, or place it on the shelf and leave it. The Choice is OURS! PAGE 50 CONCLUSION EXHIBIT 1 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS I. State of the Community (Current) What are the immediate issues facing the community? What is our community health/climate? II. Assessment of External Conditions Who are those in our service population? Trends? Who are the regulators? Trends? Who are our competitors? Trends? Who are our resource providers? Trends? III. Vision of the Future What will our environment look like at the end of our planning period, based upon the immediate issues and emerging trends? What is in store for the future if we do nothing, something, a lot? What are the key issues the community must address in this planning process? Describe key demographic indicators, e.g. number of dwelling units, population shift, economics, demographics, financial data. IV. Community Assessment Based upon the above, what does the public expect from us? What do we do well? What are our strengths? What do we do poorly? What are our liabilities? What about our resources? V. Review Point (Review Steps I through V) What does all of this suggest? Do the current issues, emerging issues and trends suggest we change direction? What are the priority issues/trends? VI. Community Vision Statement What is the primary direction in which the City should proceed? What should we be doing? Where do we want to go? Pnce 51 . SNARE THE VISION II CONCLUSION What should the philosophy of the community be? What should our community values be? What is going to be our community vision statement? VII. Action Plan What existing programs should be kept, modified, eliminated, or implemented? How do we get where we want to go? Who will do what, when and how? How do we approve our new community vision? Have we addressed the current issues and emerging trends in our plan? VIII. Plan Update/Review How are we doing to date? In what areas shall we reshape our vision of the future? What projects remain uncompleted? Do we need to change our strategy? What has happened to our environment since the plan was developed? Pt+ce 52 . SHARE THE VISION II CONCLUSION EXHIBIT 2 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS State of the Plan and Update PAGE 53 SNARE THE VISION II 1. New roads CONCLUSION EXHIBIT 3 STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITY LISTING PACE 54 55. East/West route 39 2. Youth programs/expand services 27 Community -wide plan for families and youth 3. Revitalize Old Newhall/Develop Arch theme for Canyon Country 23 and Newhall. 4. Defeat Elsmere 22 5. Cultural Arts Center 18 6. Reduce Gangs 15 7. Economic development/maj or businesses 15 8. Acquire significant ecological areas/open space 12 9. Reduce crime 10 10. Redevelopment 9 11. Transportation/fully integrated system 9 12. Affordable housing 9 13. City Boundaries equal Valley 9 14. Bike friendly/trails 9 15. Preserve Santa Clara River 8 16. Quality Jobs in Santa Clarita Valley 8 17. No blighted areas 8 18. Racism in Schools 7 19. Centralized Civic Center. Including Meeting Places and Cultural Events 7 20. Town Hall Center in Canyon Country 7 21. Build and Market Conference Center 6 22. More Educational Opportunities 6 23. Community -wide Plan to Address Needs of Families and Youth PACE 54 55. SHARE THE VISION II CONCLUSION Green Group Idea - key word approach Key Words Safety • STS • Schools • Parks • Trails • River • Neighborhood • Children Mission Statement EXHIBIT 4 GROUP SESSIONS Quality • City • Environment • Education • Employment opportunities • Air and water • Recreation and jobs • Municipal services • Parks The people of Santa Clarita value a safe, balanced community with an open responsive government that works continually to increase the quality of life for all residents. Our priorities shall include: • Provisions of quality housing opportunities for all people. • Maintaining an aesthetically pleasing, clean, healthy and safe environment. • Increasing economic opportunities for all people. • Manage City and meet needs in fiscally sound manner. • Maintain highest quality police services. • Increase recreation. Yellow Group Mission Statement The vision of Santa Clarita is a progressive community that creates a high quality self-sufficient standard of life. It includes the following elements: • Redevelopment • Infrastructure - roads, major concern • Implemented General Plan PAGE 55 $HARE THE VISION II • Cultural Center/arts/events • Fiscally sound • Youth activities/positive environment • Economic Plan • Community identity • Community awareness/involvement • Recreational opportunities • Coordination of services • Quality education • Promote commercial development (environmentally sound) • User friendly government- accessible and responsive • Affordable housing • Safe Blue Group Community Value Statement Promote and protect the family. Aggressively encourage quality businesses to come to Santa Clarita. Continue to protect and manage our open spaces. Continue our fight to oppose the landfill. Foster high education standards.. Continue to reduce crime and maintain a safe city. Increased activities for young people. Foster an environment where hatred and bigotry cannot exist. Encourage a continual supply of quality, affordable housing. Revitalize our history and our unique historical sites, heritage. CONCLUSION Promote recycling for multi -family and business. Promote an active code enforcement program to promote neighborhood quality. Zero tolerance for gangs and graffiti. State-of-the-art library/resource system. Acknowledge and promote volunteerism and community involvement. Promote interagency cooperation and public/private partnerships. Strive for quality infrastructure, following the General Plan. Red Group Community where the citizens are empowered, children are nurtured, where human, environmental, and economic interests are balanced. • Safe schools, neighborhoods, and work places PAGE 56 SNARE THE VISION II • Human relations • Art, cultural awareness • Open government with citizen participation • Freedom from fear of crime • Regional cooperation • Pay as you grow • Protect the environment • Where random acts of kindness prevail • Supportive family environment • Well planned growth with high quality of life • Recognize and appreciate cultural diversity Comments from Group! • Yearly update To Council in November for action plan review • Televise Council meetings • Make contacts with key organizations and disseminate information PAGE 57 / SHARE THE V1510N II ................... ♦ Community Douglas Alger Jack Ancona Marc Aronson Captain Greg Augusta Teresa Avila Tim Ben Boydston Karen Cameron Allen Cameron Dalton Celius Michael Connally Raissa Connally Bonita DeAmicis Tom Dierkman Pat Doran Barbara Dore John Drew Ron Druschen Ed Dunn Lieutenant Bob Elson Keefe Ferrandini Cindy Finesilver Bruce Fortin Betsy Foster Palmer Jim Gates Alice Gault John Gault Lorraine Grimaldo Jerry Hider Darla Hoback D. Dean Houchin Angie Jaramillo Carl J. Kanowsky Gary Johnson Vera Johnson Steve Kassel, M.A., M.F.C.C. Ralph Killmeyer Michael Kutch Bob Lathrop Marlee Lauffer Mike Lebecki PAGE 58 PARTICIPANTS Cathy Maguire Kaye McCown Paul Higgins Marsha McLean Gloria Mercado Mary Merritt Ellen Michiel Jim Moore Marie Movich Ruth Newhall Joe Nocella Donna Nuzzi Bradley Palmer Lynne Plambeck Sheriff Edward Redd Richard Rioux James Robinson Viki Rudolph Pat Saletore Cmdr, Robert Spierer John Steffen Valerie Thomas Chris Townsley Coleen Walker Ken Walters Anne Marie Whalley Connie Worden-Roberts .......... ................. ♦ Council Members Mayor George Pederson Mayor Pro Tem JoAnne Darcy Carl Boyer Janice H. Heidt Clyde Smyth ......I ..................... ♦ Parks & Recreation Commissioners Laurene Frimel Weste ♦ Planning Commissioners Louis Brathwaite David Doughman CONCLUSION EXHIBIT 5 Linda Townsley Jack Woodrow .............................. ♦ Participatory Staff Renee Callaway, Secretary Don Duckworth, CRA Manager Cathy Culotta, Consultant Donna Grindey, City Clerk Robert Newman, Supvs Civil Engr Mike Murphy, Intergvt Relations Mike Haviland, Mktg/Econ Dev Mgr Zuzana Jonova, Intern Carolynn Deller, Info Resources Mgr Tony Nisich, City Engineer Sammee Zeile, Consultant Suzanne Lauver, Admin Analyst ......I .................... ♦ Presentation Staff George Caravalho, City Manager Michelle Cupp, Administrative Clerk Mary Cusick, Administrative Clerk Gail Foy, Public Information Officer Lynn Harris, Deputy City Manager Amelia Hutchinson, Admin Assist Jeff Kohn, Deputy City Manager Gina Madden, Executive Secretary Michael Marks, Rec Coordinator Terri Maus, Admin Assistant Joe Ortega, Building Maintenance Rick Putnam, Director Parks & Rec Steve Stark, Finance Manager ♦ Facilitators Gary Brown, Ashland Police Chief Ken Pulskamp, Asst City Manager