1991 RES R-09-91 - Laserfiche WebLink

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acquisition and other purposes. The District will thereby have greatly enhanced capital funds for major projects as well as stable operations and maintenance funding. It is proposed that the funding be apportioned to local park and recreation providers, park and trail capital improvement projects and open space/wildlife habitat acquisition in the zone of origin, and to operations and maintenance of the new District. Member cities and park and recreation districts could also opt to participate, in a revenue bond program. How will the District be governed? The County Board of Supervisors would be the governing board of the District. It will be recommended that the Board appoint a District Advisory Committee to provide input .and recommendations to the Board. What is the District formation process? Legislation passed .by the State Legislature and signed into law in September by the Governor :allows the Board of Supervisors -to initiate the District formation process by placing a measure on the ballot to establish a Park and Open Space District. A majority vote would be required for passage. The measure placed beforethe voters would specify District boundaries and a proposed benefit assessment amount, or a range within which the governing body may -fix and thereafter revise the assessment, to provide a revenue source for the District in addition to general fund monies and user fees. The District need not cover the entire county; within the District boundaries, unincorporated areas would be included as well as any cities and park and recreation districts which choose to be included during the formation process by City Council or Governing Board resolution. Voters within such cities and park and recreation districts would then participate in the election to form the District. An Ad Hoc Committee of city managers, park directors and, representatives of the Regional Parks Department have been meeting regularly since June, 1990 to develop the specifics of the District proposal, including joint projects to be funded and a revenue apportionment formula for each geographic zone within the District. A Memorandum of Understanding' setting forth the agreements reached through the Ad Hoc Committee process has been developed between- the Regional Parks Department and each city or recreation and park district which might wish to join the District. Is the District likely to pass? In July, 1990, a public opinion survey was completed to assess voter attitudes about the importance of open space and park facilities and their willingness to pay to protect open space and have additional or improved park, trail and recreation facilities. The poll was very encouraging. Depending on the specific item, between 56% and 74% of the voters surveyed said it would be worth paying an additional $30 per year in taxes for services ranging from more athletic fields to open space and wildlife habitat acquisition, more trails and regional parks facilities, and more neighborhood parks and playgrounds. There was an exceptionally strong sentiment expressed that important open space was rapidly disappearing and that local government should do more to protect it. When asked specifically if they would vote for a Park and Open Space District and an annual parcel assessment, 66%. of the voters surveyed supported the District . and a $33 annual assessment. ' How can I get more information? If you have questions or desire additional information, please contact Steve Messerli, Director of Infrastructure, at (714) 387-2858 or Gerry Newcombe at the Regional Parks Department at (714) 387-2594. 2