AgdaPkt 2004-06-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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'1.AJ2 . PROPOSAL TO CREATE A COUNTYWIDE SPECIAL PARK DISTRICT COMMITTEE March 2004 WLat is a CoU[jtywide Special Park District? A countywide special park district is a mechanism to provide additional support to the county and city park systems. This type of district would have the ability to develop a variety of funding mechanisms for operations, maintenance and additions to our local parks and recreation systems. The special park district would also provide a mechanism to support collaboration on projects and programs in our parks. In addition to supplemental funding these collaborations might include: . ProVide coordinated information to county residents about what facilities/amenities are available and where . Ability to qualify for grants for which individual agencies might not be eligible . Coordination on regional trail implementation and improvements . Better natural resource management . Ability to bundle certain purchasing or capital projects for better prices . Ability to share specialty equipment . Coordination and management of wildlife conidors and watersheds There are 2 steps required to form such a district: enabling legislation and a ballot measure seeking voter approval to form the district. At the request of park supporters, San Mateo County is sponsoring the enabling legislation that would give San Mateo County voters the opportunity to form a district to provide additional support to our parks. While the legislative proposal has not yet been introduced in bill form, the specifics of the bill are being developed in conversation with the cities and county park stakeholders. If the state legislation is approved, local elected officials and park stakeholders would develop the exact language for t.~e ballot measure that would be submitted to the voters. That proposal would include who would govern the new district and could include how the funding would be shared. That proposal will be developed by a broad-based participatory process that includes the cities, County representatives and park stakeholders This proposal is meant to support and enhance the work oflocal agencies. Existing city and district structure, powers, authority, and responsibilities will remain unchanged. The need Citizens have been working since 1992 to find a dedicated source of funds for the County Parks: . The County Parks budget has been reduced by 32% over the past two years . County Parks has an unfunded $78 million capital projects list . County Parks has annual operations and maintenance needs of $11 million. The department is currently funded at $7 million. City parks and recreation departments are facing similar funding challenges. March 2, 2004 --