HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 14286 (Open Space Acquisition Policy)RESOLUTION NO. 14286
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO ADOPT
THE OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION POLICY
WHEREAS, San Rafael General Plan 2020, Goal 30 states "It is the goal of San Rafael
to preserve and protect open space and the natural environment for all to enjoy"; and
WHEREAS, San Rafael owns and maintains 3,703 acres of designated Open Space; and
WHEREAS, the City has sole responsibility for maintenance and management of City
owned Open Space; and
WHEREAS, the City acquires Open Space through purchase and dedication; and
WHEREAS, the City desires a policy to guide the process of deliberation and decision to
accept or reject land offered for inclusion in the City owned Open Space inventory; and
WHEREAS, the Park and Recreation Commission developed an Open Space Acquisition
Policy over the course of three (3) public meetings held in October and November 2016 and
January 2017; and
WHEREAS, the Commission approved an Open Space Acquisition Policy for
recommendation to the City Council on January 19, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed the Policy at a regular meeting on March 6, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San
Rafael adopts the Open Space Acquisition Policy attached hereto as Exhibit "A".
I, Esther Beirne, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the San Rafael
City Council held on March 6, 2017 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Colin, Gamblin, McCullough & Mayor Phillips
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
je&w
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
City of San Rafael
Open Space Acquisition Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to set criteria for selecting and/or accepting the acquisition of
additional Open Space lands by the City of San Rafael.
Responsibility
The acquisition of Open Space lands is at the decision and discretion of the San Rafael City
Council. Proposals presented by City staff representing the Departments of Community
Development, Public Works, Police, Fire, Community Services and Finance will first be
considered by the Park and Recreation Commission at one or more public noticed
meetings, and with other community outreach as determined appropriate. The Commission
recommendation to accept or decline the proposed acquisition will be submitted to the City
Council prior to the one or more public noticed meetings when the proposal is considered
for action. If accepted, City staff shall execute the acquisition and on-going support
services for the Open Space preservation, recreation and public security.
Reference
San Rafael General Plan 2020, Goal 30: Protected Open Space
It is the goal of San Rafael to preserve and protect open space and the natural
environment for all to enjoy. Preservation of open space and the natural
environment has been a priority for San Rafael residents for many years. Whenever
possible, the natural terrain and vegetation of the community should be preserved and
maintained.
The City of San Rafael owns 3,703 acres of Open Space. A total of 7,800 acres of Open
Space is currently within City planning area. The City has purchased or accepted donations
of properties to the Open Space Inventory. In September 2016 the City Council directed a
policy to provide criteria for future acquisition of Open Space lands to ensure that decisions
were made based on the value of prospective lands for public recreation, environmental
stewardship, view corridor retention and other public benefit in relationship to the
responsibility of managing, maintaining and securing the lands in perpetuity.
Policy
In the event of an opportunity to expand the City Open Space Inventory, whether by
acquisition, transfer or donation, the following criteria should be applied to the San Rafael
specific property to determine the overall value to the community and compliance with
City goals.
Proposed properties need not meet each criterion. Criteria are not weighted as properties
vary in assets and constraints. To be accepted, properties must satisfy specific elements of
the guiding principles listed below:
o A property must be located within the City of San Rafael City Limits.
o A property should provide a positive added public benefit including but
not limited to:
■ Cultural/historical significance
■ Potential for recreational use
■ Preservation of natural space, environment, and/or existing use
■ Presence of sensitive wildlife habitat
o A property should provide public utility.
o A property should have adjacency to existing park/open space and/or
connectively to existing or planned parks/open space as identified in the
General Plan.
o A property should have title with no alternative ownership options for
preservation and preferably fee simple title transfer.
o A property should have existing access.
o Public support must be demonstrated for the proposed acquisition.
o Endorsement by Boards and Commissions and community organizations
must be demonstrated for acquisition of proposed property.
o The existing condition of the property should be environmentally stable
and clear of significant safety or security issues.
o The location and status of the property should be free of significant
liability issues.
o The property should not present a significant financial impact to City.
resources for acquisition, management, maintenance or security.
o A property should not require significant improvement or amenities.
Exhibit "A"