HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - PH OSPPD (2)PUBLIC HEARING
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
November 22, 2005
i1�
PUBLIC HEARING AND RETURN OF ASSESSMENT BALLOTS
IN CONNECTION WITH PROPOSED FORMATION OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA OPEN SPACE AND PARKLAND
PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
Administrative Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed formation of the City of Santa
Clarita Open Space and Preservation Assessment District.
BACKGROUND
The Council expressed its desire for staff to find a way to purchase and preserve open space and
fund the construction of new and rehabilitation of existing 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 pursue the
creation of a City-wide Open Space and Parkland Preservation District. 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 were 60 acres of active parkland.
Today, this number has more than tripled, and we now have 220 acres of active park areas. The
Council also increased the amount of open space by 2,000 acres; however, the City's goal is to
have five acres of active parkland for every 1,000 residents. At today's population, that would be
800 acres. The Council also expressed a desire to complete a "greenbelt" of open space around
the Santa Clarita Valley to preserve natural habitat and wild land areas. The formation of a City-
wide preservation district would help the Council accomplish these goals.
Conga,e,w
277 cQ G [osecit.
erorf
Oh
)eceovbe>
On September 13, 2005, the Council approved the resolution of intention to form the proposed
Open Space & Parkland Preservation Assessment District. The creation of a preservation district
will provide the necessary funds to begin the process to acquire open space and parkland when
opportunities for such acquisitions are made available, as well as provide the necessary funds for
their stewardship. A public hearing was scheduled for November 22, 2005 for this Council
meeting. Assessment Ballots were mailed in October, which provided property owners at least
45 days' notice of this public hearing and the directions to return their assessment ballots to the
City Clerk by this date. Several public meetings have been held, as well as newsletters sent out
to inform the property owners about the OS&PPD.
Tonight's recommended action is to hold the public hearing and direct the start of the tally of the
ballots. It is anticipated that the counting of the ballots will begin on November 23, 2005 and
end on November 30, 2005. There will be no counting on November 24 and November 25, due
to the Thanksgiving holiday. We expect that a final vote count will be certified at the December
13, 2005 meeting. To pass, the OS&PPD would need to have fifty percent or more of the
returned weighted ballots be in favor of the proposed District's formation. If the District passes,
the Council would have the opportunity on December 13, 2005 to approve a resolution forming
the District and levying the assesmsents.
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 formation of the Preservation District's boundaries will be co -terminus with the boundaries
of the City of Santa Clarita. No significant costs are associated with this public hearing.
ATTACHMENTS
Assessment Ballot held by the City Clerk until close of Public Hearing
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED OPEN SPACE AND PARKLAND
PRESERVATION DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at 6 o'clock p.m. on November 22, 2005, at the
regular meeting place of the City Council, City Council Chambers, City of Santa Clarita, 23920
Valencia Boulevard, Santa CMta, 91355, a public hearing will be held to discuss the proposed
formation of an Open Space and Parkland Preservation District (the "Proposed District") and the
levy of annual assessments on property within the City boundaries. The public hearing and the
Proposed District proceedings will be held pursuant to the provisions of the "Landscaping and
Lighting Act of 1972," being Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code
(commencing with Section 22500), Article XI)ID of the California Constitution and the
Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act (commencing with Section 53750 of the
California Government Code).
The Proposed District will fund a portion of the costs of the construction, acquisition,
preservation, improvement, servicing, financing and maintenance of open space lands, parks and
parkland of benefit to property within the City, including debt service. The Proposed District is
planned to exist in perpetuity. As set forth in the Engineer's Report, each year the maximum
annual assessment may be increased for cost of living according to the change in Consumer Price
Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County area as determined by the City
Council. If approved, the assessment will be levied beginning in FY 2006-07.
At the above -referenced time and place any person interested will be heard upon the
formation of the Proposed District, its boundaries and the proposed assessment. A copy of the
proposed Engineer's Report is on file in the office of the City Clerk at 23920 Valencia
Boulevard, Santa Clarita, 91355.
Dated: November 11, 2005
/s/ Sharon L. Dawson
City Clerk