Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division recommending the Committee recieve and file the Draft Board item to approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution XXX to dissolve the El Dorado County River Management Advisory Committee and thereby rescind Resolution 065-2002.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 26, 2017 the Board gave the following direction to define the role of the River Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) and return to the Board with revisions to the River Management Plan recommendations in the first quarter of 2018.
Starting in 2014, the County hired a consultant to review and assist with an update of the County’s 2001 River Management Plan (RMP). This RMP update was adopted by the Board on February 13, 2018.
One of the questions that came up in the update was the effectiveness and need for a standing RMAC? Previous versions of the plan identified the RMAC as a standing advisory committee to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on various matters relating to management of the South Fork of the American River. Through this process it became apparent there was a disconnect between the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) and RMAC. This problem needed to be addressed.
The 2018 RMP identifies the PRC as having an advisory role in the periodic review and annual review of the RMP. It also states that “the County may utilize any River Community/Ad-Hoc/Advisory Committee, the County PRC, the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on the management of the South Fork of the American River and the implementation of the County RMP.
RMAC began discussion of their resolution on July 10, 2017 before the Board gave the direction above. The Resolution has been on the RMAC agenda for discussion and recommendation eight times with the last time being November 5, 2018. The recommendations from RMAC are attached. One of the meetings was held at the Gold Trail Grange specifically to discuss and review the RMAC resolution as a community.
County Counsel reviewed the proposed changes from RMAC. County Counsel’s recommendations were presented to RMAC on November 5, 2018 with RMAC voting to not accept the changes proposed by Counsel. Counsel’s recommendation is also attached.
Staff has previously stated that this committee has done a wonderful job with the duties it has been tasked with, but it is staff’s opinion that the duties should be transferred to the PRC. The attached spreadsheet summaries the agenda items RMAC has had on the agenda over the past three years. The majority are permit transfers now that the River Management Plan Update is complete. It also shows that fifteen out of thirty six meetings have been canceled.
Staff recommends that all river related items go to the PRC. At any time the PRC can appoint an ad-hoc committee to discuss any issue that needs further discussion or research, including issues on the river. As with the dissolution of other advisory committees previously under the PRC, they have become more involved and knowledgeable with recreational issues. Staff has also observed that citizens, groups, residence would come to RMAC meetings and voice their opinions. But they did not come to PRC or Planning Commission so those commissioners miss the input from the people. Having the commission hear all recreational activities makes it simple for the public to voice their opinions.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could direct staff to bring back a resolution with staff’s input and recommendations on what the Coloma/Lotus community wants and needs are.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
September 26, 2017, (Legistar #17-1034) the Board gave the following direction:
1) Work with the institutional groups and related programs; and
2) Define the role of River Management Advisory Committee and return to the Board with revisions to the River Management Plan recommendations in the first quarter of 2018.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
[This section is completed by the CAO's Office. This section is required]
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Savings to the River Trust Fund as RMAC meetings are scheduled in the evenings resulting in overtime for employees.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
- Obtaining the Chair's signature on Resolution XXX.
- Send signed copies to the Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, Attention Vickie Sanders once Resolution is signed.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Creighton Avila - 621-5153
Vickie Sanders - 621-7538