HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-11 - AGENDA REPORTS - OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION RPT (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval,
Item to be presented by: David Peterson
NEW BUSINESS
DATE: December 11, 2001
SUBJECT: OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION PLAN STATUS REPORT
DEPARTMENT: City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive report and provide direction.
BACKGROUND
Development of the Open Space Acquisition Plan began by direction of the City
Council. At the February 6, 2001 study session, the City Council directed staff to
prepare a plan that would accomplish the following goals:
1. Provide a framework for the City to evaluate, acquire, and maintain the most
beneficial parcels within and surrounding the City of Santa Clarita for
preservation as open space.
2. Allow the City to maximize the expenditure of funds for acquisition and
maintenance of open space by targeting those parcels that present the greatest
economic, strategic, and natural resource value.
3. Create and enhance partnerships between the City of Santa Clarita and other
government agencies in the Santa Clarita Valley including, but not limited to,
the County of Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
4. Assist in the creation of an urban "green belt" surrounding the City of Santa
Clarita.
5. Provide an objective, systematic format for evaluating property proposed for
dedication by property owners and developers.
The City Council identified intensive public participation as a vital element to the
creation of the Open Space Plan. Pursuant to this direction, staff conducted three
public outreach meetings, one in March and two more in September of 2001. The
RECEIVED Agenda Item 8J&
purpose of the meetings was to gain community feedback regarding open space and
the plan development process. The meetings were attended by approximately fifteen
to twenty-five participants per session. Representatives from the residential
community, business leaders, developers, and local environmental groups
participated.
Feedback received through the public participation process is being incorporated
into the plan document. In addition to the community meetings, an open space page
has been added to the City of Santa Clarita website. This page provides an
interactive questionnaire, complete minutes from each community outreach
meeting, and up-to-date information about the plan's development. Approximately
225 individuals have responded to the questionnaire to date.
The Open Space Acquisition Plan is consistent with the One -Valley -One -Vision
project. In addition, the County of Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Mountains
Conservancy (SMMC) support the plan and will be involved in the document review
process.
Presently, staff is in the process of completing a draft plan, which is expected to be
completed by the end of 2001. It will then be circulated to staff for review. After
staff review, the document will be circulated to Los Angeles County and the SMMC.
It will also be available for review by the general public.
It is anticipated that the final document will be presented to the Parks and
Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission in the spring of 2002. After
being heard by the Commissions, the Plan will be brought before the City Council for
adoption in mid -2002.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
None.
FISCAL IMPACT
None by this action.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
DP:js:srl
Ms/cc ende/Op Spc Report.doc