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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2002 1218 CC REG ITEM 09AITEM q• A• ,• fir. ,:f,C�?f ARK. C �T.'�r�'`L� ACTION: - MOORPARK CITY COUNCI .S;O _ AGENDA REPORT�,,,� BY- TO: Honorable City Council FROM: Deborah S. Traffenstedt, Assistant to City Manager/ City Clerk J 5T DATE: December 11, 2002 (CC Meeting of 12/18/02) SUBJECT: Consider Status Report on County of Ventura Open Space District Advisory Committee ( OSDAC) and Recommendation on Open Space District Project Category Definitions and Priority for Land Acquisition BACKGROUND In November 1998, Ventura County voters endorsed the Open Space District program concept by approving Advisory Measure A. The County Board of Supervisors subsequently established an ad hoc Open Space District Advisory Committee ( OSDAC) on January 8, 2002, and approved a scope of work, which is included as Attachment 1 (as amended in March 2002). The OSDAC includes 41 representatives from various agencies and organizations, as summarized in Attachment 2. The City of Moorpark's current representative on the OSDAC is Deborah Traffenstedt. As an ad hoc committee, the OSDAC will have a limited duration and will be dissolved after it has provided recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on criteria for projects to be funded, a preferred funding option, and on the pros and cons of governance options. To date, the OSDAC has convened six meetings, with the first meeting held in April 2002. There is a ten - member Working Subcommittee of the OSDAC, which has convened five meetings since July 2002. Another important milestone in the progress towards creation of an open space district was the approval of Assembly Bill No. 1145, which was signed into law on April 17, 2002. This legislation allows the Board of Supervisors to call an election for creation of an Open Space District, and describes the governing authority to be five directors either elected, appointed by the Board, or members of the Board. GOGOG4 Honorable City Council December 18, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 2 At the November 20, 2002 meeting of the OSDAC, the City representatives were asked to bring back a recommendation on the definition for "parklands ", in conjunction with defining and analyzing open space district project categories and project criteria. On November 5, 2002, the Board of Supervisors responded to a question from the OSDAC by voting that their preference was to limit the definition of Parkland /Recreation to only passive uses, such as hiking and bicycle trails, nature programs, etc. The Board noted that the voter - approved Measure A did not reference active recreation uses such as softball, football and soccer fields. Included as Attachment 3 is a copy of the draft open space project category definitions that were provided to the Board of Supervisors. The OSDAC discussed the Board's direction at the November 20, 2002 meeting; however, the representatives from the cities of Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, and Port Hueneme stated their city's preference was to not prohibit future open space district funding of land acquisition for active recreation purposes. On November 25, 2002, the SanBuenaventura City Council voted to communicate to the OSDAC their preference for the parklands definition to be limited to passive recreation uses. The Port Hueneme City Council in a letter dated December 5, 2002, communicated to the OSDAC their preference that active recreational uses be included as an eligible project type under the parklands category for the purposes of open space district funding. Staff is unaware at this time whether any other cities in Ventura County have scheduled this issue for a City Council recommendation. The Open Space District enabling legislation, AB -1145, states that the formation of a regional open -space district in Ventura County is critically needed to help address the unresolved needs and development pressures in the Ventura County area with respect to the preservation of open- space, natural, and agricultural areas, and local and regional parks and recreation facilities. The legislation does not limit the parks and recreation facilities to passive versus active uses. DISCUSSION The question asked by the OSDAC is whether the definition of "parkland" should be limited to only passive uses, as shown on Attachment 3. Staff's intent would be to prepare a letter to the OSDAC that responds to this question as well as related issues as described below. 000065 Honorable City Council December 18, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 3 Staff's opinion is that the definition of "parkland" should not preclude the type of recreation use; however, lands to be acquired for strictly recreation purposes should not have as high a priority for acquisition funding as preservation of greenbelts and buffer lands between cities, and preservation of agricultural land and natural resources. This position would be similar to that followed by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, which has an Acquisition Plan that includes four acquisition categories: agriculture, greenbelts, natural resources and recreation. To summarize, the Sonoma County District Acquisition Plan generally states that the District's primary role for recreation is to acquire land and that the responsibility for developing, operating and maintaining recreational sites and facilities lies with appropriate local, regional or State park agencies. Recreation is identified as a secondary focus under the voter approved Expenditure Plan for the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Staff's opinion is that the letter to the OSDAC should include language to clarify that the City would not support the funding of an active recreation project in unincorporated areas of the County that serve as greenbelts or buffer areas between cities. This is intended to ensure that the City of Moorpark is not misinterpreted as promoting an active recreation use such as a golf course in the Tierra Rejada Greenbelt area. The letter to the OSDAC should also clearly state the City Council's support for a higher priority for acquisition of open space lands and /or conservation easements to preserve greenbelts and buffer lands between cities, agricultural land, and natural resources, in comparison to acquisition of land for recreation purposes. As previously stated, one of the stated purposes of the OSDAC is to advise the Board of Supervisors on criteria for projects to be funded. STAFF RECObMNDATION Direct staff to prepare a letter to the OSDAC, including a recommendation on Open Space District project category definitions and priority for land acquisition, as discussed in the agenda report. Attachments: 1. OSDAC Scope of Work 2. Summary of OSDAC Representation 3. Open Space District Advisory Committee Vision Statement and Project Categories 00010IGG ATTACHMENT 1 BOARD - APPROVED SCOPE -OF -WORK FOR THE OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (OSDAC) Revised by Board on 3119102 The following OSDAC Scope -of -Work expands on the principles approved by the Board of Supervisors on January 8, 2002 and is also based on Board directives and comments provided on February 26 and March 12, 2002. The purpose of the 'Scope' is to describe the goals and purpose of the open space district (OSD) and to clarify the OSDAC's purpose, role, duties and responsibilities so as to minimize any ambiguity as to the Committee's primary objectives. The Committee's responsibilities have also been separated into Board mandated and Board recommended procedures. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FINDING Based on the voter's approval (68 %) of Advisory Measure A in 1998 and the public's considerable support (up to 75 %) for the formation of an OSD (2001 Public Opinion Survey findings), the Board of Supervisors unanimously supports the creation of a Regional OSD in Ventura County. In recognition of this finding, the Board directs that a regional district formation ballot measure be prepared and submitted to Ventura County voters. GOALS AND PURPOSE OF OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 1. The primary goal and purpose of the OSD is to identify and preserve agricultural and open space lands that are under the greatest threat of conversion to other uses and fits an overall scheme of preserving wildlife corridors and natural habitat and contributing to watershed health. • Develop a capability to accept contributions of lands if no other agency is more appropriate. 2. The secondary goal and purpose of the OSD is to acquire land for parks that is under the greatest threat of conversion to other uses and fits an overall scheme of preserving wildlife corridors and natural habitat and contributing to watershed health. PURPOSE OF OSDAC The OSDAC is to advise the Board on how an OSD could be set up and not if it should be established. The OSDAC is an ad -hoc organization that has been appointed by and will serve as advisor to the Board of Supervisors. As with other ad -hoc organizations, the Committee shall have a limited duration and it will be dissolved after it has provided recommendations to the Board regarding the language of future funding and project ballot measure(s) and completed an assessment of governance options. BOARD - MANDATED OSDAC DECISION- MAKING SEQUENCE • Utilize the Board - adopted goals and purpose of the OSD as the basis for developing project and funding recommendations and assessing governance options. • Prepare draft open space and farmland conservation and park acquisition project lists. Q0GOS7 Prepare OSD funding recommendations. • Assess the advantages and disadvantages of OSD governance options including governance costs, autonomy, accountability, etc. BOARD - MANDATED OSDAC RESPONSIBILITIES • Provide periodic progress reports to the Board regarding the OSDAC's activities, deliberations and progress. The written progress reports will be presented to the Board at least quarterly, or on a more frequent basis, if circumstances warrant. • Review and comment on staff and consultant work products including meeting summaries, research papers, analysis and other technical studies. Technical work that has been endorsed by the Committee will become part of a permanent record and should be included in an appendix to the quarterly status reports to the Board. The 'Committee of the Whole' (includes all representatives) shall collectively discuss policy - related issues and shall be involved in making the Committee's final recommendations to the Board. However, the OSDAC may wish to create a small number of 'functional sub- committees' that would identify, analyze and develop funding and project recommendations and assess governance options for later consideration by the 'Committee of the Whole'. • Develop funding recommendations that consider the findings of the November 2001 Public Opinion Survey and the input of the OSDAC members. Funding options that should be analyzed and discussed include a real property special assessment and a special tax (sales tax) increase. Develop a recommended list of projects that are representative of the project categories including, 1) the protection of coastal water, rivers and streams, 2) farmland conservation, 3) open space conservation, and 4) the acquisition and improvement of parks and recreation facilities. The project list shall consider the findings of the November 2001 Public Opinion Survey, the language in the OSD enabling legislation (AB 1145), and the input of the OSDAC members. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of the OSD governance options (i.e., appointed board of directors, directly elected board of directors, or the Board of Supervisors serving in an ex- officio role). The assessment should consider governance costs, autonomy, accountability, etc. and should also take into account the findings of the November 2001 Public Opinion Survey, the language in AB 1145, and the input of the OSDAC members. Although the OSDAC will disband after ballot measure(s) recommended language has been prepared, some or all of the Committee members could serve on their own as the nucleus of a ballot measure advocacy organization, if they so choose. In accordance with State law, the County of Ventura would not provide funding for a future ballot measure advocacy campaign. • The OSD Coordinator shall prepare and the OSDAC shall approve summary minutes of its meetings — the minutes should become part of the permanent record and should be included in the Committee's quarterly progress reports to the Board. OOGOGS P41 One person shall represent each Board - designated agency and organization. If the primary representative is not able to attend a meeting due to illness, a schedule conflict, etc., a designated alternate member may represent the agency or group. However, in order to facilitate the business of the OSDAC and to ensure program continuity, the Board encourages that each agency or group should avoid rotating their membership among different representatives. BOARD - RECOMMENDED OSDAC RESPONSIBILITIES • The OSDAC's recommendations could be decided through a consensus - building process or the Committee could vote on individual policy issues. Another option is to utilize both consensus and voting procedures. Minority opinions on important issues and decisions should also be recorded and made part of the permanent record. • The OSDAC could consider using the services of a professional facilitator. The facilitator could be funded by non - governmental organizations (NGOs) and /or governmental agencies that serve on the Committee. • The OSDAC should appoint a Chair and a Vice - Chair. The `officers' should work with the OSD Coordinator, the facilitator (if appointed), and the chairs of functional subcommittees (if established), and prepare the Committee's agendas. The Chair should also sign Committee correspondence. • The OSDAC should meet at approximate one -month intervals. The Committee should establish a regular meeting location(s) and a time slot that to the extent feasible, accommodates the schedules of the individual representatives. 000069 3 ATTACHMENT .2- Open Space District Advisory Committee Representatives • Cities and County Appointees (16) • Agricultural Community (4) • Business Community (4) • Environmental Organizations (3) • Recreation &Park Districts (3) • Local Land Conservancies (3) • Farmland, Open Space and Habitat Conservancies (4) • Public Service Organizations (2) • Wetlands/Water Quality Organizations (2) +000 ATTACHMENT 3 Open Space District Advisory Committee Vision Statement and Project Categories (Revised: 11/15/02) Open Space District Vision Statement (Revised by Subcommittee 11115102) • The primar3r purpose of the Regional Open Space District is to help preserve the natural and unique qualities of Ventura County (e.g., ridgelines, scenic viewsheds, wildlife corridors, natural habitat, agricultural lands, greenbelts between the cities, hillsides, wetlands, rivers and streams, and natural parksites) for the enjoyment of present and future residents of the County. Fneshaflis Open Space District Project Category (Definitions) (Approved by Committee 10/17102) • OPEN SPACE — This designation is applied to an area of undeveloped land, wetlands, rivers or streams which has substantially retained its characteristics as provided by nature or has been substantially restored, or which can be feasibly restored to a near natural condition, and which has natural habitat, wildlife, and scenic resources. • AGRICULTURE — This designation is applied to irrigated lands (e.g., prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, unique farmland) and non - irrigated lands (local importance, grazing lands) that are suitable for the production of agricultural commodities and/or the raising of livestock. (Discussed by Committee on 10/17102 and Subcommittee on 10130102 and 11/15102 — Board direction on 1115102 generally confirmed this definition with the provision that active park and recreation uses should be excluded) • PARKLAND — This designation is applied to lands with scenic, natural and /or open space values, set apart aside to conserve natural, scenic, cultural, or ecological resources for present and future generations, and to be used by the public as a place for rest, education, exercise, inspiration, and passive recreation (e.g., hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, rock climbing, nature studies, and picnicking and camping). is Open Space District General Proiect Eligibility Standards (Revised by Subcommittee 11115102) • OPEN SPACE — Properties or conservation easements acquired by the OSD must meet one or more of the following standards: • Wildlife corridor quality • Natural habitat quality • Watershed health contribution • Scenic qualities values 000071 Visibility (e.g., greenbelts, transportation corridors, scenic highways) • AGRICULTURE —Properties or conservation easements acquired by the OSD must meet one or more of the following standards: • Quality of Irrigated farmland (e.g., soil quality, water cost and availability) • Non - Irrigated farmland • Quality a Livestock grazing land • Watershed health contribution • Visibility (e.g., greenbelts, transportation corridors, scenic highways) • PARKLAND —Properties or conservation easements acquired by the OSD must meet one or more of the following standards: • Wildlife corridor quality • Natural habitat gealit� • Watershed health contribution • Public access • Cultural /historical sigRifiGaese values • Visibility (e.g., greenbelts, transportation corridors, scenic highways) • Scenic qualities values 0000"'2 CADocuments and Settings\kjellbg \My Documents\ OSDACVisionStateDefinifionStand .doc