HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FORMATION (2)NEW BUSINESS
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT i
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by: Darren Hem ndez
September 13, 2005
.s
INITIATE THE FORMATION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
CLARITA OPEN SPACE & PARKLAND PRESERVATION
DISTRICT (OS&PPD)
Administrative Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council adopt a resolution to initiate the formation of the City of Santa Clarita Open Space
and Parkland Preservation District (OS&PPD) or Preservation District, adopt a resolution which
approves the Engineer's Report, and set a public hearing for November 22, 2005.
BACKGROUND
The Council expressed its desire for staff to find a way to purchase and preserve open space and
fund the construction of new parks and rehabilitation of, existing of parks, as well as provide for
their stewardship. These goals are documented in the City's strategic plan called the "Big
Picture" and the Parks Recreation and Community Services Commissions' 2005 Priorities, as
well as the City's Open Space Plan. In November 2004, the City Council directed staff to
investigate the creation of a City-wide Open Space and Parkland Preservation District. Tonight's
recommended action meets with that direction. The creation of a preservation district pursuant to
the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 (the "Act") entitles the City to levy an annual
assessment on property within the City to provide the necessary funds to begin the process to
acquire open space and parkland, as well as provide the necessary funds for their improvement
and stewardship and the continued stewardship of existing parklands.
The City inherited an infrastructure deficit when it incorporated in 1987. For the last 17 years,
the Council has worked to reduce this deficit. At the time of incorporation, there was 60 acres of
active parkland. Today, this number has more than tripled, and we now have 220 acres of active
park areas. However, the City's goal is to have five acres of active parkland for every 1,000
P"So. ()5—/ l j
Adopted: 66 I t.2,
residents. At today's population, that would be 800 acres, leaving a deficit of 560 acres. In
addition, the Council has also expressed a desire to complete a "greenbelt" of open space around
the Santa Clarita Valley to preserve natural habitat and wild life areas. The formation of the
Preservation District would help the Council accomplish these goals.
Adopting staff's recommendation tonight would begin the process of forming a City-wide
assessment district and continuing the public education and outreach program relating thereto.
Pursuant to the Act and Proposition 218, the Council may initiate proceedings and call for the
preparation of an Engineer's Report by the adoption of the first resolution. Attached for the
Council's review is an Engineer's Report prepared by Harris & Associates.
The draft Engineer's Report was discussed at the joint meeting between the City Council and
Planning and Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commissions held on September 6,
2005. The Engineer's Report contains the proposed boundaries of the district (which are
co -terminus with the City), identification of the proposed facilities and services to be funded, the
determination of the general and special benefit received by property within the district, the
methodology to apportion the annual assessments, the individual proposed assessments for
different property use types such as single- and multi -family residential, commercial, and vacant
land. The Engineer's Report also describes the cost of living escalator for the annual assessment
and identifies exempt properties such as school fields and other existing open space and
recreation providers. The Engineer's Report incorporates as an attachment a description of the
City's Open Space and Parkland Preservation Program and how the assessment district funding
fits into the Program. Pursuant to the Engineer's Report, the portion of the Program to be funded
by the Preservation District in FY 2006-07 shall not exceed 28% of the Program's budget.
This evening, the Council is also requested to adopt a resolution of intention which approves the
Engineer's Report, sets a public hearing for November 22, 2005, and directs anOctober mailing
of ballots to all persons who own property within the City of Santa Clarita. Pursuant to the Act
and Proposition 218, property owners would have until the end of the November 22 public
hearing (which is at least 45 days from the postmark of mailing the ballots) to return the ballots
to the City Clerk. In order for the City Council to form the district and levy the annual
assessments, 50% of the weighted ballots returned must approve the Preservation District.
Ballots are weighted based on the amount of the proposed assessment for such property. It is
expected that the tabulation of the ballots will be completed and the results announced at the
December 13, 2005 Council meeting.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The formation of the Santa Clarita Open Space & Parkland Preservation District will provide
funding for the acquisition of open space and parkland and the stewardship of existing parkland.
The Preservation District's boundaries will be co -terminus with the boundaries of the City of
Santa Clarita. Provided the Program is funded from sufficient other revenue sources, the
estimated revenues and expenditures collected from the Preservation District will be
approximately $1.4 million annually, as adjusted by the CPI, commencing with fiscal year 06-07.
The formation of this Preservation District is in compliance with Proposition 218 under the
California State Constitution.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution Initiating Proceedings
Resolution Approving an Engineer's Report
Draft Engineer's Report, along with attachments, available in the City Clerk's Reading File