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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - LACO PARK BEACH RECREATION ACT (2)City Manager Approval Item to be presented by: John Danielson NEW BUSINESS DATE: April 23, 1996 SUBJECT: LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARK, BEACH, AND RECREATION BOND ACT OF 1996 - RESOLUTION NO. 96-53 DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation, and Community Services C• * .it AI In November 1992, the Los Angeles County Open Space District Bond Act was passed by the voters. The City of Santa Clarita received a Specific Project Grant of $2,480,000 for the Santa Clara River Acquisition Park, and $1,300,000 of Per Parcel Entitlement Funds. The bond act funds have enabled the City to acquire the Lost Canyon River Park and the Mint Canyon River Park. Additionally, we are working with Newhall Land and Farming Company to acquire 272 acres of river land in the Saugus/Valencia area and are in contact with several other individuals to identify additional acreage in the river. The per parcel entitlement funds were used in the development of the Newhall Community Center, South Fork Trail, and several playground equipment renovations. The City Central Park (Phase I) is also scheduled to be funded by the per parcel funds. The City of Santa Clarita has been invited to participate in a ballot measure called Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996. Briefly, the act will be a county -wide park measure proposed for the November 1996 Los Angeles County ballot. Modeled after the successful Proposition A in 1992 which received 64% voter approval, this measure would generate additional acquisition and capital improvement funds for qualified regional and neighborhood parks, recreation and cultural facilities, at -risk youth projects, and beaches throughout the county. The measure would also provide ongoing operations and maintenance funds on an annual basis for these facilities. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department has submitted two projects for the bond measure which include Santa Clarita Central Park Phase II and Santa Clara River Open Space Land Acquisition. These submittals will go before a review panel which will likely only select one for placement on the November ballet. Additionally, the City of Santa Clarita would be eligible for discretionary funds similar to the 1992 Proposition A Discretionary Funding in the amount of approximately $600,000. This discretionary funding would be of enormous benefit for the repair and replacement of existing park and playground infrastructure. In the 1996 Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Bond Act funding and assessments are anticipated to be approximately one-half of the 1992 Open Space Bond Act. The per parcel assessment should be approximately $6. Additional facts concerning the bond measure are contained on the attached documents. Adopted: Agenda Item: As part of the effort to gain county -wide support and recognition for this ballot measure, the organizers have requested that communities and organizations show their support by officially endorsing the Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996. The Parks and Recreation Commission supports placement of the Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996 on the November 1996 County Ballot to preserve, enhance, and protect Los Angeles County Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Facilities and Open Space for this and future generations. The Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended that the City Council offer their endorsement of the Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996.. It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 96-53 supporting the inclusion of these projects into the Bond Act and the City's support of the Open Space Bond Act. Rx"WOMMMUM Resolution Number 96-53 Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996 Fact Sheet Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996 Endorsement Sheet Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996 Summary Sheet Los Angeles County Park, Beach, and Recreation Act of 1996 Update JMI:cac mun61\bopd96jm.wpd CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RESOLUTION NUMBER 96-53 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA SUPPORTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARK, BEACH AND RECREATION ACT OF 1996. WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act of 1996 would provide approximately $ million to preserve, improve and restore park, beach, mountain and open space lands, senior centers and facilities, and recreation facilities to benefit current and future generations of Los Angeles County; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita finds that neighborhood and community parks, natural and recreational areas, sports facilities and playing fields are a vital and necessary part of our community and help to preserve the quality of life in the City of Santa Clarita; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita would receive approximately $650,000 in parcel grants for our most pressing park and recreation needs; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita supports the inclusion of the following Specific Projects(s): Santa Clarita Regional Park $2,500,000 Santa Clara River Valley Acquisition $1,000,000 WHEREAS, local and regional park and recreation facilities are in great need of funds to improve park safety and security; and parks in good repair provide an important and healthy alternative to youth in our community through sports and other recreation opportunities; and WHEREAS, this measure would help address the great need for repair and improvements of the neighborhood and community parks of the City of Santa Clarita; and WHEREAS, senior citizens are the fastest growing age group in America today and we need to improve existing and build new park and recreation facilities for senior citizens throughout the Los Angeles County; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita may apply for competitive grants allocated for senior facilities, gang prevention, tree planting, trails, and river and stream restoration throughout Los Angeles County; and WHEREAS, a county -wide and broad-based coalition of conservation, park and recreation, civic and business groups has been formed to seek the approval of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the voters for the Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita urges the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to place the Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act before county voters in 1996. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, do hereby support the Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act of 1996. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 1996. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) § CITY OF SANTA CLARITA I Donna M. Grindey, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the day of , AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COLTNCILMEM 3ERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK February 1996 FACT SHEET on the LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARK, BEACH AND RECREATION ACT of 1996 What will the Los Angeles County Park, Beach and Recreation Act dol This important measure will provide approximately $270 million to protect our quality of life by investing in our parks, beaches, recreation facilities and natural lands throughout Los Angeles County. This measure will improve and repair neighborhood and regional parks, provide positive recreation alternatives for at -risk youth, plant trees, protect our mountains and canyons, build trails, and build more recreation facilities for children, families and seniors. Why do we need this Parks Act now? We need this measure now because our children deserve to have safe places to play. Our youth need recreation and employment alternatives to keep them off the streets and out of gangs, Los Angeles County's population of 10 million continues to grow at an increasing rate every year, and we lag far behind from other urban areas in the state in providing these facilities for county residents. Safe and accessible parks, beaches, recreation areas and natural lands are vital to our quality of life in Los Angeles County, and we must act now if we hope to protect some of these lands for our children and grandchildren. What will the funds in the Parks Act be spent on? The measure will provide about $270 million for specific park, beach, open space and recreation projects. Funds will be provided for the following purposes throughout the county: • Provide safe parks for children to play in • Increase safety at regional and neighborhood parks • Improve water quality in Santa Monica Bay • Protect threatened mountains and canyons • Develop and upgrade senior recreation facilities • 'Plant trees in urban areas • Restore rivers and streams: • Expand and build sports recreation facilities • Improve Los Angeles County beaches and public access Some funds will be available to pay to operate and maintain park and recreation facilities acquired, developed or restored with funds from this act. (over) S How will this parks act help our youth? This parks act will help restore neighborhood and regional parks that are targets for gangs and vandals, and make these parks safe again for our children to play in. This measure earmarks specific funds to help prevent gangs and graffiti, and to provide positive recreation alternatives to keep lids off the streets and out of gangs. Youth are constantly turned away from local parks because of lack of space; this measure will build more ballfields and recreation facilities for our growing population. Will the parks act really improve our quality of life? Absolutely. By investing in the development, restoration and maintenance of parks, beaches, and recreation facilities, and by permanently protecting our natural lands, this parks act will address the most pressing recreational needs in our communities. The parks act will make our neighborhoods more livable by making parks safe for our children to play, and by protecting natural area where we can escape from the traffic, smog and crowds we confront every day. Who will be able to spend funds provided by the parks act? All incorporated cities within the county, the County of Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and nonprofit organizations that meet the guidelines established in the act will be able to spend these funds. Will everyone in the county benefit from the Park, Beach and Recreation Act? Yes. Our beaches, community parks, mountains, rivers, trails and other natural areas are vital to the quality of life for all of us who live in Los Angeles County. The parks act will rar= fiords for s=ific nark beach recreation and natur2l land- prqject in everycity in the county. Every city (and non-profit organizations) will be able to apply for countrywide competitive funds available for programs such as: - Gang prevention and at -risk youth facilities - Planting trees and Building trails - Senior recreation facilities - Restoring rivers and streams How much will this measure cost me? At a cost of about 50 cents per month to the average homeowner for twenty years, this measure is a bargain. Fifty cents is not a lot to pay if it really makes a difference in improving Los Angeles. The typical home is about U7 of an acre. The measure would be funded through an assessment on property in the county. Is a public vote required? Yes. This measure would appear on the November county ballot. County voters must approve the park act, including the list of specific projects and the assessment. For more information, please contact: The Trust for Public Land, 10951 W. Pico Blvd., Suite 204, Los Angeles, CA 90064 3104744466 LOS ANGELES COUNTYPARK, BEACf7 and RECREA77ONACT OF 1996 ENDORSEMENT The undersigned organization supports the Los Angeles County park, beach, and recreation Act of 1996 on the November, 1996 county ballot. We support this act in order to preserve, enhance and protect Los Angeles County parks, beaches, recreation facilities, and open space for this and future generations. Name of Organization Address City ZIP Telephone Number Authorized Signature Please Print Name Title Date Please return this form in the self addressed envelope enclosed and add a stamp. Thank you! 5 T H E TRUST PUBLIC LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARK, BEACH LAND and RECREATION ACT of 1996 ,Conserving Land Summary fm People A countywide park measure is being proposed for the November, 1996 Los Angeles county ballot. Modeled after the successful Proposition A in 1992, which received 64% voter approval, this measure would generate additional acquisition and capital improvement funds for qualified regional and neighborhood parks, recreation and cultural facilities, at -risk youth projects and beaches throughout the county. The measure would also provide on-going operations and maintenance funds on an annual basis for these facilities. As with Proposition A, a county -wide Citizen's Advisory Committee is being formed, composed of a wide range of civic, community, business, youth and park leaders and representatives of organizations supporting passage of the measure and an eventual campaign. The contents of the measure are prescribed by state law and would be very similar to those of Proposition A in 1992. Funds would be included for: • specific projects throughout the county which meet established criteria • at -risk youth recreation facilities and increasing park safety • important regional facilities • per parcel grants to cities • competitive grants countywide • protecting threatened natural lands, beaches and Santa Monica Bay • annual operating and maintenance funds Voter Suppg Initial polling shows that voters are willing to support such a measure, if the projects funded are very specific, and if the assessment amount is $6 or less. The proposed measure would provide approximately $270 million in bonds. A well -funded campaign is absolutely essential to ensure sufficient communication with voters. Legal Bac and State enabling legislation in the Public Resources Code provides the basis for any changes to county Proposition A. A public vote is required for any change to the assessment established by Prop. A, and to approve the specific projects which are also required by law to be included. The assessment authorization is the Landscaping and Lighting Act in the Streets and Highways Code. The Los Angeles County Regional The Tent for Public Land Park and Open Space District would administer these funds. Los Angelo Field Office 10951. West Pim Blvd. Suite 204 Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310)474-4466 Fax (310) 44744.1626 S-- T H E TRUST F O R March 1, 19% PUBLIC LAND To: All those interested in parks, recreation, open space in yi Los Angeles County C°1 men LLand From: Esther Feldman and Mark Dierking Re: Update on proposed park and recreation measure for the November 19% county ballot - "Child of Prop. A" Because of your longstanding interest in and support for parks, recreation, natural lands and recreational alternatives for at -risk youth, we are writing to tell you about an exciting project to develop additional, sorely -needed funding for our park and recreation resources throughout Los Angeles County. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit land conservation organization, is working to place a countywide parks measure on the November 1996 county ballot. This measure is being modeled after the highly successful Proposition A, which was passed overwhelmingly (64%) by county voters in 1992. The measure will provide about S270 million to acquire, improve, develop and restore a wide variety of neighborhood and regional parks, beaches and recreational facilities. Why a ballot measure in 1996! As you are well aware, the need to improve and restore our older, rundown parks, increase park safety and provide additional recreational areas to meet the needs of our ever-expanding population is still tremendous. Proposition A only began to chip away at the huge unmet needs in our cities and county, and most of the Prop. A funds are already in the process of being spent and will run out in the next few years. It is vital that we provide safe neighborhood parks if we hope to protect the quality of life in our communities, provide healthy recreation alternatives to keep kids off the streets and out of gangs, and protect some of our natural resources for future generations. What this measure will do: The proposed 1996measure would provide specific fiords for: • identified park and recreation projects throughout the county • acquiring new park and recreation lands and building new facilities.. • developing at -risk youth recreation facilities and increasing park safety • improving and restoring-. regional and neighborhood park and recreation facilities • per parcel grants to cities for their most pressing park projects • competitive grants countywide for trails, tree -planting, senior facilities, rivers • protecting threatened natural lands, beaches and Santa Monica Bay annual operating n V4 and%4.T p" The Tnut for Puhlic Land � Angeles Field — 10951 WetiimBIlafCCEIVED Suite 204 lee Angeles. CA "AR 2 1 1996 ( 310) 474.4466 ARKS d RECREATION DEPT. Fax (310)474, 1628 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 1j�,4 18 1996 °arks, Racreat+on a cotrmumtti Services -... - REC ,%J ED OR 141996 CITY MANAGER,SGFF• CITY 0 F 16 C Citizen's Advisory Committee to develop measure: This Committee is a broad-based group of civic, business, park, gang prevention, and conservation leaders from throughout Los Angeles County. The Committee will oversee the development and drafting of the ballot measure. They will establish project'guidelines, review Projects so that they meet these guidelines, approve the fimding breakdown, draft the measure, and present the final measure to the County Board of Supervisors this spring. They are holding meetings over the next few months. Ongoing Activities: We have been very busy over the Iasi several months in developing the parks measure for the November ballot. We are currently meeting with city staff community leaders, elected officials, law enforcement officials, environmental organizations, and senior's groups. In late March we will be conducting our second polling survey, Specific Projects: As was shown so clearly in Proposition A, when voters can see funds clearly earmarked for specific projects they vote "yes" in greater numbers. In an effort to build on this success, we are currently working with all cities and the county to develop a list of projects for the November ballot. Specific projects must meet established criteria, be non -controversial, and regionally significant. Howe you an help: We need your support! Please take a moment and have your org2nizstion fill out the enclosed endorsement form and send it hack ton as soon as possihle. Your endorsement is very important in the effort to get this measure placed on the ballot. We are enclosing some specific information on the measure along with this letter to better answer any questions that you might have. Please feel free to call us at (310) 4744466, ext. 17 if you need any assistance or additional information. Sincerely, Esther Feldman Mark Dierldng Director Project Director Los Angeles Field Office 2 6g