Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Receive and file a presentation from the Parks Division;
2) Approve recommendations on Parks and Trail priorities as identified by the Parks and Recreation Commission; and
3) Provide direction regarding future Park funding. (Est. Time: 1 Hr.)
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
1) Approve the Park priorities recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission;
2) Provide staff direction regarding future Park funding
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Department of General Services was dissolved many years ago and the park functions were divided between Environmental Management and Department of Transportation. Three years ago, the Parks Division was created and subsequently housed within the Chief Administrative Office. This presentation will provide the background on existing park locations, priorities identified by the Parks Commission, and funding options.
In January 2015, Parks Commissions prepared a list of priorities for their respective districts at the request of County Parks staff. This list was reviewed and vetted at the February Commission meeting as Commissioners made their recommendations on the proposed Parks budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could approve the list of priorities prepared by the Parks Commission, modify the list, or direct staff to bring back alternatives at a future meeting.
The Parks Division is also requesting direction regarding funding so that a comprehensive, multi-year Capital Improvement Program can be developed. This would help the public as projects and improvements that they would like to see completed are not always finished. Without consistent funding, the Division is unable to fulfill certain requests or plan for projects.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The Parks Division works with many other departments. The Community Development Agency/Transportation Division assists with the Rubicon Trail when needed and constructs the County Class I Bike Trails. The Sheriff's Office works with the division on the Rubicon Trail and the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor. This cooperative relationship between county departments has been a great asset to the Division and the County.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
CAO recommending the Board receive and file a presentation on park facilities and Parks Commission priorities, confirm or modify said priorities, and provide direction on future funding for the Division.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
It is difficult to accomplish the Park needs without consistent funding. The Parks Division needs to develop a Capital Improvement Program that the County and the public can rely on for the priorities that have been identified. The division feels that parks should be considered as part of the overall County Strategic Plan currently under development. So the financial impact is unknown at this time. Potential future funding options include the General Fund, Accumulated Capital Outlay fund, Transient Oriented Tax funding, or from payments from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
The objective is to include parks as a component of the Countywide Strategic Plan to establish long term funding reliability and priority status.
CONTACT
Vickie Sanders, Parks Manager-621-7538