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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2010 0901 CC REG ITEM 09BTO: FROM: DATE: MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Honorable City Council ITEM 9.13. CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA City Council Meeting of 9 -1 ,A0/ -0 ACTION: -e &444� John Brand, Senior Management Analyst �& August 25, 2010 (CC Meeting of 9/01/2010) SUBJECT: Consider Resolution Supporting Proposition 21: The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 SUMMARY On July 7, Council directed staff to bring for Council consideration a staff report on Proposition 21: The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, which will be presented for voter approval on the November 2, 2010 statewide ballot. Proposition 21 establishes $18 annual vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs and grants free admission to all state parks to surcharged vehicles. Prop 21 is estimated to generate about $500 million a year in new revenue for the state. 85% ($425 million) would go state parks, the other 15% to wildlife and ocean protection agencies. The new revenues would offset about $50 million in lost day -use fees, and replace about $200 million in state funds currently spent on state parks and wildlife conservation programs. Increased funding for state parks and wildlife of about $250 million annually is projected. DISCUSSION Proposition 21 is an initiative statute, backed by the California State Parks Foundation, that would enact a $18 vehicle registration fee to fund state parks. In return, California motorists subject to the fee would get free admission to the parks. Possible impacts and costs associated with an increase in visitation to state parks have not been published. Proponents state that California's 278 state parks are priceless public assets and a vital legacy for our children and grandchildren. However, the state's parks are in peril. Budget cuts are starving state parks, causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of �i Honorable City Council Meeting of September 1, 2010 Page 2 being shut down. Only last minute budget reprieves kept them open. In 2009, 150 state parks were shut down part time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year. Proposition 21 will create the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund. The fund will provide a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding for the state park system, for wildlife conservation and for increased and equitable access to those resources for all Californians. Prop. 21 will give California vehicles free year -round day -use admission to state parks in exchange for a new $18 vehicle license fee, which will be specifically dedicated to state parks and wildlife conservation. The surcharge will apply to most California vehicles, including motorcycles and recreational vehicles, and will be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the annual vehicle license fee. It will not apply to larger commercial vehicles (those subject to the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act), mobile homes or permanent trailers. Opposition to Prop. 21 includes the California Taxpayers' Association, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and the California Chapter of Americans For Prosperity. The League of California Cities has not taken a position on this measure, and has no plans to adopt a position. Council consideration of a position of support for Prop. 21 could be justified based on Legislative Platform statement 4.J. 4. Environment 4 J. Support funding and legislation for the designation and preservation of open space and preservation, restoration and enhancement of natural resources. However, the City has traditionally avoided advocating on ballot measures and other issues of public controversy or debate unless they have a direct impact on municipal operations. In the event the City Council decides to support Proposition 21, a draft resolution has been provided as Attachment 4. FISCAL IMPACT None associated with adopting the resolution. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Direct Staff as Deemed Appropriate 10 Honorable City Council Meeting of September 1, 2010 Page 2 Attachments Attachment 1: Why Local Governments Support Proposition 21 Paid for by Yes on 21 Attachment 2: Proposition 21 Parks Initiative Fact Sheet Paid for by Yes on 21 Attachment 3: Arguments and Rebuttals on Proposition 21, CA State Voter Information Guide Attachment 4: Resolution No. 2010- 11 smaAttachment 1 Why Local Governments Support Proposition 21 California's 278 state parks are priceless public assets, important economic engines, much - needed recreational outlets and a vital legacy for our children and grandchildren. Chronic underfunding is starving state parks, causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down. Last year, nearly 150 state parks were shut down part-time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year. Prop. 21, slated for the Nov. 2 statewide ballot, will establish a dedicated and reliable funding stream for state parks and natural resources to ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come. In exchange for free year - round day -use admission to California's state parks and beaches, Californians will pay an $18 fee as part of the annual vehicle license fee (except for larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers) to support state parks. State Parks Contribute to the Local Economy • Every year, California's 278 state parks attract millions of tourists, who spend $4.32 billion annually in park - related expenditures. A recent study found that state park visitors spend an average of $57.63 in neighboring communities each visit. Visitors generate so much local economic activity that every dollar spent on state parks creates another $2.35 for California's treasury. Prop. 21 Restores Vital Money to California's General Fund • With a new dedicated revenue stream in place, more than $130 million of General Fund dollars —that provide a portion of overall state park funding — will now be available for other vital needs that impact local government services and funding, including education, health care, social services and public safety. State Parks Bring Recreational and Educational Benefits to Local Communities • In addition to the economic benefit of increased tourism, local communities benefit greatly from the assets of the California state park system. The state parks give local residents a place to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as learn about the state's history, culture and natural resources. A state park nearby means that families, schools and others have a year -round playground and classroom to explore. Yet without a reliable source of funding, these important resources could be lost forever. Prop. 21 Provides Funding to Local Government • Prop. 21 provides grants to local government agencies that administer /manage state parks so that those agencies will continue to receive the day -use fees they currently collect. With this protection, local agencies will be able to continue to keep the state parks in their community open to the public. • Prop. 21 will provide dedicated funding to local public agencies and conservancies for parks and wildlife conservation efforts. Broad Coalition Supporting Prop. 21 • Supporters of Prop 21 include The Nature Conservancy, local elected officials throughout California, Public Health Institute, California Action for Healthy Kids, California State Conference of the NAACP, California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers, Sierra Club California, Audubon California, Save the Redwoods League, Peninsula Open Space Trust, California Travel Industry Association, California Lodging Industry Association, The Trust for Public Land, California State Lifeguard Association and the California State Parks Foundation. Join the effort to save California's state parks today! www.YesForStateParks.com Paid for by Yes on 21, Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation, sponsored by conservation and state parks organizations. FPPC ID# 1322009 12 Attachment 2 Proposition 21: The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 Fact Sheet From the vast stretches of sandy beaches along California's magnificent coastline to the towering redwoods and much - needed recreational areas in the state's bustling urban centers, California's 278 state parks are priceless public assets and a vital legacy for our children and grandchildren. But the state's parks are in peril. Chronic underfunding is starving state parks, causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down. Only last- minute budget reprieves kept them open. Last year, nearly 150 state parks were shut down part-time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year. California's parks are becoming less available to the public and are at serious risk of irreversible damage. That is why Prop. 21, slated for the Nov. 2 statewide ballot, will create the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund. The fund will provide a stable and adequate source of funding for the state park system, for wildlife conservation and for increased and equitable access to those resources for all Californians. Prop. 21 will give California vehicles free year -round day -use admission to California's state parks and beaches in exchange for a new $18 vehicle license fee, which will be specifically dedicated to state parks and wildlife conservation. The surcharge will apply to most California vehicles, including motorcycles and recreational vehicles, and will be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the annual vehicle license fee. It will not apply to larger commercial vehicles (those subject to the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act), mobile homes or permanent trailers. Supporters of Prop. 21 include The Nature Conservancy, California Teachers Association, California Nurses Association, Public Health Institute, California Travel Industry Association, California Labor Federation, AFSCME California PEOPLE, Sierra Club California, Audubon California, California State Lifeguard Association, California Lodging Industry Association, Latino Health Access, California State Conference of the NAACP and the California State Parks Foundation. California State Parks in Peril Because of Chronic Underfunding... • California's parks, once considered the best in the nation, are falling apart because of chronic underf ending. Roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered and buildings and structures throughout the system are badly deteriorated. • With no reliable source of funding, the state parks have accumulated a backlog of more than $1 billion in maintenance and repairs. • Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has nearly tripled. Destruction and vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold, and beachgoers are often unprotected because of decreases in lifeguards. • The parks are in such peril that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named California state parks one of the 11 most endangered sites in America. Protect State Parks and Wildlife by Creating a Conservation Trust Fund... • To ensure Californians have the high - quality, well- maintained state park system they deserve, Prop. 21 will establish the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund in the state treasury where, by law, it could only be spent on state parks, wildlife conservation, natural lands and ocean conservation programs. The Legislature www.YesForStateParks.com Paid for by Yes on 21, Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation, sponsored by conservation and state parks organizations. FPPC 1D# 1322009 13 couldn't reallocate the Trust Fund for other uses. • Funding for the Trust Fund will come from an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on all California cars, motorcycles and recreational vehicles that will be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the annual vehicle license fee. Larger commercial vehicles (those subject to the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act), mobile homes and permanent trailers will be exempt. • California vehicles subject to the State Park Access Pass surcharge and all occupants of those vehicles will receive free day -use admission to California's state parks and beaches throughout the year, which currently costs as much as $125 for an annual pass or $10 -$15 per day. Out -of -state vehicles will continue to pay full entrance fees at parks. • Trust Fund revenues will amount to approximately $500 million each year (based on about 28 million registered vehicles) and 85 percent will be allocated to state parks and 15 percent to other state wildlife and ocean protection agencies. • With a new dedicated revenue stream in place, more than $130 million of General Fund dollars -that provide a portion of overall state park funding -will now be available for other vital needs, like schools, health care, social services or public safety. State Parks Strengthen the Economy and Serve as a Legacy for Future Generations... • State parks strengthen the economy by attracting millions of tourists, who spend $4.32 billion annually in park - related expenditures in California, according to a recent study. It found state park visitors spend an average of $57.63 in surrounding communities per visit. They generate so much economic activity that every dollar the state spends on state parks generates another $2.35 for California's treasury. Every year, there are nearly 80 million visits to state parks, where the abundance of outdoor activities entices visitors to exercise and lead healthier lifestyles. Parks contribute to public health by protecting forests and natural areas that are sources of clean air and water and by combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gases. They also protect the state's wide diversity of plants and animals, preserve an unparalleled collection of historic and cultural assets and provide exciting educational opportunities for young and old alike. Tough Fiscal & Accountability Safeauards to Protect the Voters' Investment... • The Trust Fund will be subject to an independent audit by the State Auditor every year. The findings will be released to the public, placed on the California Department of Parks and Recreation's website and submitted to the State Legislature for review as part of the state budget. • A Citizens' Oversight Committee will be created to ensure funds from this measure are spent appropriately. • Audit, oversight and administrative costs of this measure will be limited to just 1 percent of the annual revenues. For more information on Prop. 21, please visit www.YesForStateParks.com. www.YesForStateParks.com Paid for by Yes on 21, Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation, sponsored by conservation and state parks organizations. FPPC ID# 1322009 14 Attachment 3 PROP ESTABLISHES $18 ANNUAL VEHICLE LICENSE SURCHARGE TO HELP FUND 2 STATE PARKS AND WILDLIFE PROGRAMS. GRANTS SURCHARGED VEHICLES FREE ADMISSION TO ALL STATE PARKS. INITIATIVE STATUTE. State parks are some of California% true jewels, but Proposition 21 is a cynical ploy by Sacramento insiders to bring back the "Car Tax" to the tune of $1 billion every two years— according to the venerable watchdog, the Legislative Analyst's Office. Say NO to the "Car Tax" and vote NO on Proposition 21. Instead of reducing the size of government to fit these difficult times, this new car tax will allow politicians to play a cynical budget shell game that could still leave our state parks dilapidated while diverting hundreds of millions of dollars into other government programs. Veteran Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters recently exposed the politicians' car tax scheme by reporting that a state senator had argued for eliminating $ 140 million from the state parks' budget so that you, the voter, would be more likely to vote for Proposition 21. Walters quotes Senator Alan Lowenthal telling a legislative committee: "Why would anyone vote for the park pass (Prop. 21) if we've already fully funded it (state parks)? I mean why do you need to vote for a park Pass if we're fully. funded ?" Walters rightly concluded that Lowenthal's comments "let the cat out of the bag." This stunning insight into what goes on in the Capitol is galling, exposes the cynical shell game, and reveals the depths to which politicians will plunge to deceive voters and increase taxes. Clearly, the real agenda the politicians have for Proposition 21 is to fool you into approving a car tax for state parks so that they can shift money towards other wasteful spending. Send the politicians a message with a NO vote on Proposition 21. California's most trusted taxpayer protection organizations are opposed to Proposition 21. SACRAMENTO POLITICIANS HAVE DEVASTATED STATE PARKS AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS California state parks attract more than 80 million visits from residents and tourists annually, and generate enormous economic and public health benefits for our state and nearby communities. Yet state parks have suffered in recent years at the whim of Sacramento politicians, attacking parks with erratic, severe and damaging funding cuts. The impacts of Sacramento's neglect are devastating . . . parks closed, dirty and unsafe bathrooms, contaminated drinking water, buildings falling apart, dangerous and eroding trails, and delayed maintenance that only costs us more in the long run. The price tag for backlogged maintenance: more than $1 billion. The effects of closed and deteriorating parks, including lost jobs and revenues, ripple throughout California. PROP 21 ESTABLISHES ATRUSI FUND —KEEPS PARKS OPEN AND PROTECTS TAXPAYERS A coalition of citizens and respected organizations put Prop. 21 on the ballot as a solution. Prop. 21 creates a special Trust Fund that can only be used to maintain our parks and wildlife The California Taxpayers' Association opposes Proposition 21. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposes Proposition 21. "As well intended as this measure may appear, Prop. 21 is nothing more than a $1 billion car tax every two years on Californians while offering no guarantee that state parks will be repaired or kept open. "But even worse, voting for Prop. 21 only enables and encourages the Sacramento politicians to maintain their wasteful spending while finding deceptive ways to increase our taxes. Vote NO on Prop. 21." —Jon Coupal, President, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Join these taxpayer advocates in voting NO on Proposition 21. Sacramento needs real budget reform and real solutions. Proposition 21 is just more "ballot box budgeting" that makes Sacramento dysfunctional. We need to hold the politicians accountable and force them to do their jobs for us. Proposition 21 just promotes more budget chaos and politics as usual and doesn't address the most pressing problems in California like education and job creation. Proposition 21 may seem well intended but done be fooled. It's just Sacramento politics as usual and a sneaky way to increase our taxes by $1 billion every two years. Say NO to Sacramento. Say NO to car taxes. Dote No on Proposition 21. PETER FOY, California Chairman Americans for Prosperiry MICHELLE STEEL, Member California Board of Equalization conservation programs. Prop. 21 mandates strict accountability, including a Citizens' Oversight Committee and annual audits, to ensure funds are properly spent and the Trust Fund cannot be raided by politicians for pet projects. DIVERSE AND RESPECTED COALITION SUPPORTS PROI? 21 A bipartisan group of 300 organizations, representing millions of Californians, supports Prop. 21, including: • California Federation of Teachers; • California League of Conservation Voters; • California Nurses Association; • California State Lifeguard Association; • League of California Afterschool Providers; • Local chambers of commerce. YES on 21. rvww.YesForStateParks.com GRAHAM CHISHOLM, Executive Director Audubon California JAN LEWIS, State Chair California Action for Healthy Kids ELIZABETH GOLDSTEIN, President California State Parks Foundation Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments 1 29 15 PROP ESTABLISHES $18 ANNUAL VEHICLE LICENSE SURCHARGE TO HELP FUND 2 STATE PARKS AND WILDLIFE PROGRAMS. GRANTS SURCHARGED VEHICLES FREE ADMISSION TO ALL STATE PARKS. INITIATIVE STATUTE. CALIFORNIA'S STATE PARKS AND BEACHES ARE IN PERIL. Sacramento politicians have repeatedly cut funding for California's state parks and beaches in every region of our state. Parks and wildlife are now at immediate risk. 150 state parks were closed part -time or suffered deep service reductions during the past year. Our park facilities are poorly maintained, unsanitary and falling apart. With no reliable funding, state parks have accumulated a backlog of more than $1 billion in maintenance and repairs. Cuts in ranger and lifeguard positions have reduced safety and increased crime. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named California state parks among the I 1 most endangered places in America. PROP. 21 KEEPS STATE PARKS AND BEACHES OPEN, WELL - MAINTAINED AND SAFE. Prop. 21 gives California vehicles free day -use admission to state parks and beaches by establishing a new $18 vehicle license fee, paid just once a year, that's solely dedicated to state parks and wildlife conservation. This immediately- needed and dedicated funding source will prevent the shutdown of our parks and beaches and ensure they are properly maintained and safe for public use. PROP 21 PROTECTS JOBS AND BOOSTS CALIFORNIA'S ECONOMY. California's state parks receive more than 80 million visits from residents and tourists every yea,, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions in business and tax revenues for nearby communities and our state. By keeping parks open, Prop. 21 preserves very important jobs and revenues. PROP. 21 PROTECTS IRREPLACEABLE NATURAL AREAS, OCEAN AND WILDLIFE HABITATS. In addition to keeping our state parks and beaches open and safe, Prop. 21 provides essential funding for wildlife and ocean conservation programs, helping preserve natural areas and improve the state's air and water quality. While appearing well intended, Prop. 21 is designed to trick you into bringing back the "Car Tax." Politicians may not be able to "raid" these funds, but they can definitely take existing state park money and put those dollars into other wasteful projects. In fact, Burin a budget hearing, a senator openly encouraged taking more money from parks so voters would want to raise the car tax with Prop. 21. Prop. 21 represents wrong priorities. Prop. 21 is just more "ballot box budgeting" that raises your taxes without addressing California's most urgent issues. While state parks are a wonderful resource, is this really the time to pay more for parks while schools, universities and road construction are ignored? Real reform is needed to fix our chronic budget woes. Pension reform, a spending limit and a real "rainy day" reserve would be PROP. 21 CREATES A TRUST FUND FOR PARKS THAT POLITICIANS CAN'T TOUCH. Prop. 21 contains tough fiscal and accountability safeguards to protect the voters' investment, including a Citizen's Oversight Committee and annual audits. The revenues will go into a special Trust Fund specifically dedicated to the operation and maintenance of state parks and beaches, the protection and safety of visitors, and the preservation of natural areas and wildlife. Under Prop. 21, the money in this Trust Fund cannot be redirected by politicians to their pet projects. PROP 21 PRESERVES CALIFORNIA'S PARKS AS A LEGACY FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. Our state parks and beaches —and the forests, wildlife, and historic and natural resources they protect —are part of what makes California unique. If we allow them to be degraded or shut down, they cannot be replaced. Prop. 21 will keep state parks open, properly maintained and safe, preserve the opportunities they provide for family recreation, help our economy, and protect jobs. Early supporters include the Ocean Conservancy, California Teachers Association, Latino Health Access, Public Health Institute, California Travel Industry Association, California State Parks Foundation, California State Lifeguard Association and local businesses and chambers of commerce throughout the state. Vote Yes For State Parks and Wildlife Conservation —YES on 21. www. YesFor.StateParks. com 11M ADAMS, Regional Executive Director, Pacific Region National Wildlife Federation MIKE SWEENEY, Executive Director The Nature Conservancy California PAMELA 10 ARMAS, President California State Park Rangers Association useful reforms to relieve California's rising debt. Prop. 21 offers no solutions or reforms. It only offers a higher car tax with no guarantee that state park funding will actually increase. Prof. 21 is deceptively written. While paying the new car tax will allow you to enter state parks, the measure still allows for new additional fees inside the park. It could easily cost more than ever to visit a state park. Say NO to higher taxes and bad priorities. Vote NO on Prop. 21. MICHELLE STEEL, Member State Board of Equalization PETER FOY, California Chairman Americans for Prosperity 28 1 Arguments Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. 16 Attachment 4 RESOLUTION NO. 2010- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING PROPOSITION 21: THE STATE PARKS AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION TRUST FUND ACT OF 2010 ON THE NOVEMBER 2010 BALLOT WHEREAS, California's parks, once considered the best in the nation, are falling apart because of chronic underfunding. Roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered and buildings and structures throughout the system are badly deteriorated; and WHEREAS, Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down; and WHEREAS, Nearly 150 state parks were shut down part time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year; and WHEREAS, Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has more than doubled. Destruction and vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold, and beachgoers are often unprotected because of decreases in lifeguards; and WHEREAS, Proposition 21, The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund, would provide a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding for the state park system, for wildlife conservation and for increased and equitable access to those resources for all Californians; and WHEREAS, Funding for the Trust Fund would come from an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on all California cars, motorcycles and recreational vehicles that would be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the annual vehicle license fee; and WHEREAS, California vehicles subject to the State Park Access Pass surcharge and all occupants of those vehicles would receive free day use admission to all state parks throughout the year; and 17 Resolution No. 2010 - Page 2 WHEREAS, Every year, there are nearly 80 million visits to state parks, where the abundance of outdoor activities entices visitors to exercise and lead healthier lifestyles; and WHEREAS, Parks contribute to public health by protecting forests and natural areas that are sources of clean air and water and by combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gases; and WHEREAS, Parks protect the state's wide diversity of plants and animals, preserve an unparalleled collection of historic and cultural assets and provide exciting educational opportunities for young and old alike; WHEREAS, The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund would protect California's 278 state parks so that all Californians can enjoy their benefits; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City hereby formally supports Proposition 21: The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, a proposed initiative statute which will be presented for voter approval on the November 2010 statewide ballot. SECTION 2. The City Council authorizes the listing of the city of Moorpark in support of Proposition 21: The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. SECTION 3. The City Clerk is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the offices of the Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation. SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of the resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the book of original resolutions. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1St day of September, 2010. Janice S. Parvin, Mayor ATTEST: Maureen Benson, Assistant City Clerk I: