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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - BIG PICTURE DRAFT ACTION PLAN (2)Agenda Item: — " CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Manager Approval: �� & Item to be presented by: Ken Pulskamp DATE: July 13, 2004 SUBJECT: THE BIG PICTURE COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2004-2007 - DRAFT ACTION PLAN DEPARTMENT: City Manager RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council receive the staff presentation and draft action plan. BACKGROUND In November 2003, the City Council directed staff to embark upon a new strategic planning process. During January and February 2004, City staff conducted an extensive public engagement process to identify key community issues and the impacts of these issues on the day-to-day lives of people in the community. This community outreach process is complete. The City Council requested that the process achieve the following objectives with respect to community involvement: • Ensure diverse participation throughout the community • Reach out to those who typically don't participate • Provide an opportunity to educate the public about the City and what we do • Use a variety of communication tools, including email • Go to where people live and speak to them face-to-face • Incorporate a speaking tour for groups in town • Create a new name that people can relate to and understand All of the above objectives were achieved. RECEIVED - ecoow-T— The results of the outreach process are as follows: • City representatives participated in 61 community meetings which reached in excess of 2,600 people on a face-to-face basis • Over 1,700 responses were received from community members and groups * 700 cards received in the mail 0 443 comments submitted via the website 0 11 calls to the telephone hotline 0 531 people participated in one hour facilitated meetings to provide input 0 Total persons participating = 1,785 The marketing effort for this process was extensive. Postage paid return cards were included in the Magazine of Santa Clarita, which is delivered to every residence in the City. Advertisements were included in the local magazines and newspapers and a 15 -second video spot was shown at the Edwards Theatre. The process was also advertised on local radio and on Channel 20. Over 100 letters were mailed to local community groups requesting that The Big Picture be placed on their meeting agenda in January or February. The major issues and community impacts from these issues that are of primary concern throughout the community are: • Traffic - congestion in town and on freeways, driver and pedestrian safety, enforcement of traffic laws, signal synchronization, lost time with family, personal stress levels, and air quality impacts • Air Quality - health impacts on the young and elderly, restriction of outdoor activities, limited views, TMC, grading for new development and growth • Cultural Arts - more cultural arts opportunities for children and adults, venues are needed for performances and exhibits • Growth - all issues tend to revolve around growth, changing complexion and character of the community, protection of the environment and adequate services for the community • Open Space - loss of natural beauty, one of the attractions of the living in the SCV, loss of habitat, river protection, buffer from development and overcrowding • Youth Activities - youth do not have sufficient choices for positive activities, need more non -sports related activities and venues for activities • Parks - development is impacting the availability of parks and play fields, shortage of recreation elements such as tennis, sport fields and gymnasiums, expand the trail system • Newhall Redevelopment - revitalize Newhall, create an arts and theatre district, address safety and cleanliness, preserve cultural diversity • Public Safety - concern about public safety due to changing complexion of community, Sheriff resources not able to keep up with growth, property maintenance, animal control and parking, gang activity, teen driving habits and narcotics use • Economic Development - more and better retail, dining, entertainment, and employment opportunities, higher paying jobs, night time entertainment for young adults, single adults and couples There were also common solutions and community partners offered in relation to many of these prevailing issues. These were utilized by staff during the action planning process. On April 15, 2004, fifty of the City's managers and staff representatives from across all City departments, including Sheriff and Fire, gathered to review the community feedback and to develop action items to address the community's concerns. The result of this effort is contained in The Santa Clarita 2004-2007 Community Strategic Plan draft document that is presented for City Council review. The draft action plan will return to the City Council for adoption on August 24, 2004. Community participants were given a copy of the draft action plan via email or regular mail when the City Council meeting packet was published for public review on July 8, 2004. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other action as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPAC There is no financial impact from this presentation.