HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 2004-04-08 - Special Meeting
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City Council, Special Meeting
Council Chambers
777 Cypress Avenue
Redding, California
April 8, 2004 3 :00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pohlmeyer with the following Council Members
present: Cibula, Kight, Mathena, and Stegall.
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Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, Deputy City
Manager Starman, City Attorney Fuller, Administrative Services Director Bachman,
Community Services Director Niemer, Senior Planner McGrath, City Clerk Strohmayer and
Assistant City Clerk Sherman.
PARKS. TRAILS. & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN WORKSHOP
(G-03 0-070/P -050/P -050-460)
City Manager Warren recalled that in 1996, the General Plan Task Force (Task Force) was
impaneled to revamp the City's General Plan and, because parks, trails and open space are
integral elements of the General Plan, Task Force members were asked to discuss and
formulate a direction for the City's parks, trails and open space. The Task Force ultimately
recommended a goal of! O-acres of park per 1,000 residents. Mr Warren related that in 2001,
the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan Adhoc Committee (Committee) was appointed by
Council and charged with the responsibility to develop and plan for the City's parks, trails
and open space for the next twenty years in concert with the new Redding General Plan. He
explained that Community Projects Manager McGrath provided coordination and assistance
to the Committee during many workshops and study sessions to direct and refine
development of a Parks, Trails, & Open Space Master Plan (Plan). The proposed Plan
provides a twenty-year vision for the City and a comprehensive look at existing amenities,
needs, and future growth patterns in an attempt to disburse park facilities throughout the
. community
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Open Space
Mr. Warren outlined the Open Space portion ofthe Plan which describes the benefits of open
space, water and air pollution .mitigation measures, improved property values, enhanced
business recruitment, and identifies notable existing open space (i.e., 210-acre Turtle Bay
Arboretum, 31 O-acre Stillwater Treatment Facility and riverfront property, and the 82-acre
Stratte property located on Adra Road between Interstate 5 and the Sacramento River). The
Plan also included 12 criteria used to identify areas with the highest open space value. He
pointed out that there is no funding associated \yith Open Space at this time.
Trails
Mr. Warren outlined the Trails portion ofthe Plan defining the types oftrails which exist:
Multi-purpose paved trails with wide paved surfaces to accommodate pedestrians and
bicyclists, improved dirt trails which are more narrow, open space trails which lead to open
space, connector trails which connect neighborhoods, school, parks, workplaces and
community centers, and proposed future trails. He advised that although no proposed
funding is in place, partnerships with organizations such as the McConnell Foundation,
California Parks. and Recreation and the National Park Service have proven to be very
successful in providing trails.
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Parks
To outline the Park portion of the Plan, Mr. Warren explained that the City boundary
encompasses 60 square miles and to adequately address this issue, the Plan divides the City
into quadrants wherein existing parks, City-owned land and park development is identified
in each quadrant and recommendations established for the next 20 years. He believed a
conservative estimate of Redding's population by the year 2020 would be 113,000. He
related that the City is falling behind in needed facilities such as baseball and soccer fields
and, he recommended that parkland be purchased before property costs escalate and before
homes are built so that parks and development can occur simultaneously.
In order to address the community need as well as the direction and future of parks in
Redding, Mr. Warren pointed out that adequate funding must be identified. Park Fees would
have to increase because current fees will provide the ability to develop only 52 acres of
parkland over the next 20 years. By law, he said the City can charge a fee commensurate
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with the ratio established by t,he existing Park Plap. which is currently 6.78 acres per 1,000
residents. This ratio would proviqe eight addition<;tl acres of parkland in t~e n~xt 20 yc;:ars.
He related that Council may also wish to consider the sa~e of bonds to be funded through a
portion of Park Development Fees to complete some projects (i.e. the soccer fields at the
Sports Complex), adjusting the "In-lieu" fee and implementing the proposed "Improvement"
fee.
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Dedication of Park Land and In~!ieu Fees
Community Services Director Nieiner explained that when a subdivision is proposed with
more than 50 units, the City may require the developer to make a dedication of parkland.
She pointed out; however, that subdivisions with fewer than 50 units, may be required to pay
a fee instead oflap.d dedication - an "In~lieu" fee~ This fee would be equivalent to the market
value of the land that would have been dedicated had there been more than 50 units in the
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subdivision. She noted that, unfortunately, the tparket value of llp1d as set forth in the
existing Plan has not kept pace with current land values making it more cost effective for the
developer to pay the In-lieu fee than to dedicate property. She rel,ated (hat in 'order to require
a dedication of five acres of parkland, the current formula requires a 420-homes subdivision
to be constructed. This formula explains, in part, why there are so many small parks. Ms.
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N\emer t~commen4ed that the In-lieu fee be adjusted to keep pace with increased market
values of real property and that an "Improvem~n,t" fee be implemented pecause In:.lieu fe~s
are based solely on land values ~d do not provide funding for improvements (curb, gutter,
sidewalk, and stub out utilities). She pointed out that <?ther cities are requiring 20% of the
In-Lieu fee be added for the cost of such improvements.
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Ms. Niemer related that the City has an inventory of23 undeveloped park sites, four of which
are proposed to transition to open space bec~use they are not easily developed as active park
sites, and three are proposed to be sold (two in th~ Lake Redding area and one in Hacienda
Heights). She added that staff met with residents in areas where park land is proposed for
sale and they urge that profits from the sales be reinvested in those areas.
In response to Council Member Cibula, Ms. Niemer explained that constructing par~s of five
or more acres in size will provide effective maintenance ~d allow more amenities tp be
included ~uch as multi-purpose fields, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, perimeter walking
trails, and landscaping. She pointed out that smaller parks provide limited use only because
their size severely restricts activi,ties.
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Gerrine Peckenp,~ugh, Chair ofthe, Community Services Advisory Commission, maintained
that parks are a basic service apd ap expectation ofthe community. S~e pointed out that the
fee increase will apply to parks only, while open space and trails can be fundeq through
alternative sources such as grants and/or partnerships. She applauded partnerships with
schools because they have provided accessible recreational areas which benefit the City and
the school districts.
Leo Graham, former Chair of the Community Services Advisory Commission, related that
the evolution of the new Plan began with the update to the General Plan. He recalled that
it was recognized at that time that although the need for parks was significant, the fee
structure was not adequate to maintain the existing park system. He advised that the
Commission considered the number of existing par~s, the amount of land and the level of
use by residents to determine acreage requirements for future park needs. Mr. Graham urged
the City Council to approve the Plan.
City Manager Warren pointed out that by using the percentages developed by the Community
Services Advisory Commission, future park needs for v,arious recreati(;mal activities were
determined. As an example, the City currently has 8.25 large softball fields but the total need
is 14: With the current fee structure, one field can be add~d, but with increased fees"two
additional fields can be added which will place the City at 95% of its need in the year 2020.
This would also apply to other typ~s of recreation such as small softbap and soccer fields.
Mr. Warren also pointed out that the City employs one parks maintenance worker for every
15 to 16 acres of parkland. {Iowev~r, if the fee increase is approved and the nu~ber of
needed parks realized, he predicted that it would be necessary to add at least five
maintenance workers or consider private sector maintenance to manage the workload.
According to Mr. Warren, large projects such as the Sports Complex are better served when
operated by private businesses like Big League Dreams which can operate the facility at a
lower cost than,the City. He added that another alternative for funding maintenance costs
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would be to form a lighting and landscape district during construction of a new neighborhood
where a park would be located.
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Council Member Stegall expressed concern regarding impacts to park development, the Plan
and the City if volunteer labor is abolished as set forth in Assembly Bill (AB) 621. Mr.
Warren responded that AB621 states that if a public agency develops a public project or
funds a public project and uses volunteer labor, the City must request that the Department
of Industrial Relations (DIR) perform a survey of local unions, and (dependent on survey
results), approve or prohibit the public agency from moving forward on the project. He
noted that AB621 has impacted some communities to the extent that they are not allowed to
. use volunteer labor to pick up trash along beach or river fronts, clearly not the intent of the
originators. He added, however, that an amendment to the Bill is going before the state
legislature which could exempt volunteer projects from these provisions.
Council Member Cibula asked if a study was performed to determine the expediency and
financial benefits of completing parks sooner than later. Mr. Warren explained that although
no study has been performed, it is clearly a benefit for the City, community, and developers
to plan for and develop parks as soon as possible because prices will increase over time and
the availability of land could evaporate.
Martin Luther King Jr. Center and Memorial Park
(P-050-350)
Patrick Mahoney, Vice Chair ofthe Martin Luther King (MLK) Center Advisory Committee,
asked that MLK Center and Park not be forgotten in the planning process pointing out its
underutilization due to lack of funding. He stressed the importance of the facility as a social
component of the community and as an after-school recreational outlet for the children of
the area. He pointed out that the MLK Master Plan includes a walking trail around the park
which would connect to the Buenaventura Trail and become an enhancement to the
neighborhood and to the City.
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Bill Cox, former member of the Community Services Advisory Commission, the General
Plan Task Force, and the Parks, Trails & Open Space Master Plan Adhoc Committee,
pointed out that park improvements have long suffered from under funding because fees are
limited to park development ~d set at $300 per residence. An unexpected downturn in the
economy added to the dilemma by requiring all development fees to provide debt service to
the Enterprise Park improvement bond and, while a tremendous asset, severely impacted the
City's ability to keep pace with the need for parks and park improvements. He added that
for many years, parkland dedications appeared to be the least desirable parcels within
proposed developments, not suitable for housing or parks. He pointed out that the Parks
Master Plan will have an impact on the City's ability to attract business, and it addresses a
set of complex issues within the General Plan while balancing community needs with
realistic expectations for funding. He asserted that park fees have not kept pace with needs
for the last 23 years recalling that park fees were increased in 2001 but not to the level
recommended by an independent study. Mr. Cox stated that the current fee recommendation
for new homes is still not adequate when compared to other costs and real estate prices.
In conclusion, Mr. Cox commended City staff and those involved in developing the Plan and
asked for City Council's vote and commitment to implement the Plan. He also suggested
that implementation monitoring be provided by the Community Services Advisory
Commission which could provide progress reports to the City Council.
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Steve Leube, School Director for the United States Tennis Association of Northern
California, Ted Klaseen, former member of the Recreation & Parks Committee, Sue
Morehouse, Planning Commissioner Bert Meyer and liaison to the Parks, Trails, and Open
Space Master Plan, Kristen Schreder, Susan Weale, Eric Johnson, coach, field coordinator,
and Board Member of the Redding Youth Soccer League, Sam Nelson, and Denise
Thompson, urged approval ofthe Plan citing the benefits of shared facilities use with schools
to promote physical activity and activities for youth.
Todd Slaughter, representing Redding Little League, advised that his organization has built
six baseball fields in the community and the need continues to rise. He urged approval of
the Plan and supported five-acre parks which provide adequate size playing fields. David
Hallagan, volunteer for East Redding Little League, related that 450 children participate in
ball g~es played on four fields at Rother School and urged support for more baseball fields.
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Lynda Scheben,[ former member of the General Plan Task Force and Senior Manage~ for
Shasta Public Health, urged adoption of t4e Plan citing healt~ benefits and a better quality
of life. She expressed a desire to participate and assist in acquiring grants for physical
activity improvements in the parks.
Pam Gluck, Executive Director of American Trails, rel,ated that her organization envisions
trails within fifteen minutes of every American's home and/or workplace. Ms. Gluck offered
unqualified support and whatever assistance American Trails can provide for. the Master
Plan. She applauded thos~ who contributed ~o producing an all-encompassing document.
Jody Thulin, Director of Education for t,he Gateway Unified School District, expressed
interest in the District partnering with the City to develop amenities at Buckeye Middle
School and the proposed school in the Blossom Park area.
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Fran Jenkins, Redding resident, asked how much the fee would a<;ld to the construction of
single-family and multi-family dwellings.
City Manager Warren responded that fees ,are not based on sq~are footage because the law
requires a nex\ls between the amou,nt of fees and ~h~ i:~npact of the development on parks.
Consequently, a base fee is charged with aq4itional fees added per bedroom.
Council Member Mathena pointed out that sidewalks in most neighborhoods provide
excellent walking paths with ple~s~t scenery, and he favored large community parks over
"pocket" or five-acre parks. Although he concurred that the City is in need of additional
parks, he urged that a mechanism be provided to support enhancements to existing parks.
Council Member Stegall thanked those who participated in producing the Plan, and while she
concurred with previous speakers regarding the need ~nd benefits of regional parks, she
favored smaller neighborhood parks in close prqximity to homes which encourage area
residents to walk to the park.
Council Member Cibula urged that alternative transportation be ~onsidered and planned
when developing access to the parks and trails system. He agreed that the cost for
construction of parks will only increase in the future and suppo~ed the Plan and fee
proposals. He thanked those who contributed ~d worked on the Plan observing that it is
a vision of the future and will give the City t~e ability to preserve and enhance the quality
of life for Redding residents.
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Council Member Kight expressed concern over parks maintenance cost and how it would be
funded without tapping the General Fund. He also wanted to see solid numbers on costs.
Mr. Kight recalled that the estimated cost to construct the Sports Complex soccer fields was
$3.5 million and questioned how many new homes would be needed to provide funding for
those fields. Mr. Warren stated that it would require co~struction of approximately 2,000
new homes, but observed that a bond issue would allow construction of soccer fields and
other amenities sooner than later. He added that in order to satisfy the amount bonded,
approximately 4,000 homes would have to be constructed, but the City would save now in
construction costs that will increase over time.
Council Member Kight questioned if maintenance for the Sundial Bridge would be allocated
from park fees, and he also requested ~hat some funding wi thi~ the Plan be earmarked for the
Stillwater Business Park. Mr. Warren explained that m~intenance costs' (estimated at
$100,000 annually) for the Sundial bridge will come from the General Fund.
Mayor Pohlmeyer expressed appreciation for all the hat;d work by so many p~op~e,.over a
significant amount of time and offered support for the Plan. Although he dislike~ increasing
fees, he acknowledged the need and inevitability because the City is lagging behind in park
development. He requested more specific information on costs and how~funding would take
place so that the City does not over,.promise the community and stressed that the integrity
of the General fund and its reserve must be preserved. Mayor Pohlmeyer requested that the
Fire Chief provide information on how the trails system could assist in fire fighting
measures by serving as fire breaks and by providing additional emergency access for police
and fire personnel. He concurred that funding must be earmarked for the Stillwater Business
Park component of the Plap, and he also supported larger regional parks that provide ample
area for large groups to gather.
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Mr. Warren advised that while no action is required at this time, Council may want to
consider approving the fee proposal, including the in-:lieu and improvement fees, pursuing
the sale of bonds to be funded through a portion ofthe Park Development Fees to complete
some projects, formation of assessment districts, and pursue private sector maintenance
contracts to reduce City maintenance costs. The matter will be returned for consideration
and possible adoption at the regular City Council meeting of May 4,2004.
There being no further business, at the hour of 5:31 p.m., Mayor Pohlmeyer declared the
meeting adjourned.
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APPROVED
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
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4/8/2004