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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20000531 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 00-14 r Regional ! * ice '. i x MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 00-14 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 31, 2000 NOTE SPECIAL TIME: 7:00 P.M. AGENDA 7:00* SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT - OPEN SESSION ** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA 7:05* BOARD BUSINESS 1. Workshop to Review the Proposed Preliminary Draft Service Plan Being Prepared for the Public Scoping Meetings Scheduled for June, 2000 and to Become Ultimately a Part of the District's Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Application Process for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation - C. Britton 9:00* ADJOURNMENT I * Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. ** TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately, you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 * Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-0485 . E-mail: mrosd@opensl>ace.org + Web site:www.openspace.org Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko, Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C. Nitz - General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open !, .ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-00-77 Meeting 00-14 May 31, 2000 AGENDA ITEM 1 AGENDA ITEM Workshop to Review the Proposed Preliminary Draft Service Plan Being Prepared for the Public Scoping Meetings Scheduled for June, 2000 and to Become JAtimately a Part of the District's Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Application Pro ess for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIO Review, discuss, amend and comment on the attached Proposed Preliminary Draft Service Plan for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation. DISCUSSION The application by the District to the San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to annex the San Mateo coastal area must address a number of technical questions. The District's LAFCo application will include the District's Service Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area, an Environmental Impact Report, and a Fiscal Analysis. Central to the District's application is the Service Plan. As indicated in its title, the Service Plan outlines the way in which the District will conduct its business and the services that the District will provide. The Service Plan is important, as it acts as the "project description" for the environmental review process and serves as the foundation for the fiscal studies. In the District's case, the Service Plan does not need to be overly lengthy. The District's Service Plan, however, does need to provide a clear statement of the District's intent. Attached for your review is a preliminary draft of the Service Plan. The purpose of the workshop is to answer your questions about this document and solicit your guidance about its content. This document, after revisions based upon your review, will be widely distributed in advance of public Scoping Meetings that have been scheduled for June 20 in Half Moon Bay, June 22 in Pescadero, and June 27 in Los Altos. This preliminary draft Service Plan includes some of the background information that will be provided in the LAFCo application about the District's proposed services. It also includes "Guiding Principles" for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area. The Guiding Principles will be the focus of your workshop discussion. 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 . Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-0485 . E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org . Web site:www.openspace.org ! Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C. Nitz . General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-00-7 7 Page 2 I The Guiding Principles recognize that while the District currently operates under a set of Basic Policies and related policies, man of these existing policies may not apply to the Coastal Annexation Area. It P Y gP Y PPY is also recognized that existing District policies are not necessarily reflective of the articular landscape P Y P P and open space resources of the coastal area, nor the particular needs of area residents. The Guiding Principles are intended to direct how the District will undertake operations within the Coastal Annexation Area until appropriate policies are adopted by the District's Board of Directors. Prepared by: 2M Associates L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager i Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District PRELIMINARY DRAFT SERVICE PLAN FOR THE SAN MATEO COASTAL ANNEXATION AREA 4 � -01 Rowl May _ I San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid 4eninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Drat Service Plan INTRODUCTION This document is a working tool provided for public review and comment. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's (the District) is soliciting reaction to initial concepts for its Preliminary Draft Service Plan for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation Area (the Coastal Annexation Area). The Service Plan will be an integral component of the District's application to the San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to expand the District's Boundary and Sphere of Influence (SOI) to include the Coastal Annexation Area. The Service Plan will also form the basis of District operations in the Coastal Annexation Area if that area is annexed. The Preliminary Draft Service Plan will be revised based on comments made by the general public and the District's Board of Directors. It will then be reissued as a Draft Service Plan and reviewed following the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). After the CEQA review is complete, the Service Plan will be presented as part of the District's application to the San Mateo County LAFCo. Any questions or comments about the District's annexation proposal should be directed to: Mr. Patrick Miller 2M Associates Box 7036, Landscape Station Berkeley, CA 94707 510-524-8132 The Coastal Annexation Area The proposed Coastal Annexation Area is illustrated in Figure I and is generally defined as follows: • on the east by the existing District boundary and San Francisco watershed lands • on the west by the Pacific Ocean • on the north by the southern boundary of the City of Pacifica • on the south by the San Mateo County / Santa Cruz County boundary Definitions Definitions of key terms used can be found at the end of this report. Purpose of the Service Plan The purpose of the District's Service Plan is to outline the services that would be provided by the District in the Coastal Annexation Area so that the San Mateo LAFCo may determine if annexation of that area to the District would be consistent with the goals of the State to encourage orderly growth and development. The Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 The District's annexation application is governed by the requirements of the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 (the Cortese-Knox Act). The Cortese-Knox Act was instituted by the Legislature to recognize that the determination of local agency boundaries is an important factor in promoting the State's policy of encouraging orderly @ Note. This is a progress report.All in formation outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page I Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 1 Coastal Annexation Studies_ Figure 1 = Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Puifia � .�t�� sx, ,0 r , Proposed Annexation Area Urban and Rural Lands Generalized Boundary of Proposed Annexation Area Existing District Sphere of Influence,Boundary San Mateo County:Urban/Ruul BoundaryCnfy pfIJdl_(Moon Bay City of Half Moon Bay-Urban `^P., San Mateo County-Urban Coastal Zone Boundary y/I �-+ % t swrt>nsanstauoCouxyGaardPbn-RvadlndtkeMap.SpweorYAnreMy. Mid boastVI i ? a aetowtinnauaux R�sac�a, aP _ #41 f sK , a � a � w San it - A a j z t ' i Co tY 2:7 i Pescadero- Al South CoastNI; ` ; �v N ;A .1. f m* y, ✓�r sr O Scale l 2 4 miles r North Ss 5 This map is conceptual and for planning purposes only. Orate:May 25,2000 Program dam,scale,location of areas,and other informatiox shown are subject to field evaluation and modification. San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Daft Service Plan growth and development as essential elements to the social fiscal and economic well-being of the g p , g State. The Legislature further declared that the best mechanism for establishing community service priorities to promote orderly urban development was with a single governmental agency, in this case the San Mateo County LAFCo, rather than several limited purpose agencies. The Cortese-Knox Act recognizes that establishing community service priorities involves two important dynamics. These are: • that urban population densities and intensive residential, commercial, and industrial development necessitate a broad spectrum and high level of community services and controls; and • that there is a need to carefully weigh urban growth patterns against the total financial resources available for securing community services. Typically, the thrust of the Cortese-Knox Act in promoting orderly development is most applicable to the provision or expansion of traditional community services like water, sewer, and roads that support urban development. However, there is growing recognition that the preservation of open space as would be provided by the District is also an important community service. Because the District is submitting an application for a change of organization, the Cortese-Knox Act requires a plan for providing services within the affected territory, which in this case is the Coastal Annexation Area. This Service Plan must include, at a minimum, the following information: (1) An enumeration and description of the services to be extended to the affected territory. (2) The level and range of those services. (3) An indication of when those services can feasibly be extended to the affected territory. (4) An indication of any improvement or upgrading of structures, roads, sewer or water facilities, or other conditions the local agency would impose or require within the affected territoryif the change of organization or reorganization is completed. (5) Information with respect to how those services will be financed. What the o Midpeninsula Regional Open S ace District Is and Is Not p The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is not a land regulatory agency. As a property owner, the District must work within the context of existing County and City land use and zoning designations. These include local coastal policies adopted pursuant to the California Coastal Act within the Coastal Zone. Because of this, there are no foreseeable changes in land use designations or land use controls if the annexation proceedings are completed. The District is a public agency that acquires and manages open space resources. Where appropriate, the District provides low-intensity recreation opportunities for general public use. The District's annexation of the Coastal Annexation Area would allow it to conduct those activities. The Coastal Annexation Area and Open Space Conservation II After a lengthy public participation process that included two public opinion polls, an advisory election, and over twenty-five community advisory and information meetings, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors firmly believes the open space resources along approximately 40 miles of the San Mateo County coast are of national significance and deserving of the highest level of stewardship possible. Further, the District Board believes that the continuation of © Note:This is a progress report All infbnnation outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is suhlect to change Page 2 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Daft Service Plan active agricultural and ranching uses on the San Mateo County coast is very important in retaining the area's rural atmosphere and way of life. Over the last 18 months and in a variety of forums the District has received a significant public comment about the Coastal Annexation Area and the role of the District. Chief among the opinions expressed have been that to build confidence in the District's intent and to be the most effective overall in terms of long term programs, the District should acquire lands from willing sellers only. Adopting a willing-seller policy would also aid the District in working with private property owners who, though they may not wish to sell their property, would be interested in cooperating in a variety of management programs that would benefit the natural and agricultural resources of the Coastal Annexation Area. Other important sentiments expressed by the public indicate that the significance of the Coastal Annexation Area and need for long-term protection and stewardship of its open space resources may be found in three inter-related facts: • the presence within the Coastal Annexation Area of outstanding natural resources and ecological diversity because of the mountain-to-ocean landscape; • the integrity and dramatic visual character of the Coastal Annexation Area, its forested rural backdrop, coastal plains and valleys, continental edge, and Pacific Ocean; and • the proximity of the Coastal Annexation Area, being within a one-half hour commute, to literally millions of Bay Area residents. In evaluating the District's potential role should be and how the District might best support the long- term conservation in the Coastal Annexation Area, the following characteristics have become readily apparent: • Numerous public agencies and private organizations are interested in conserving Coastal Annexation Area resources. The District should view its role as one "partner" in a broad cooperation with many facets, rather than "the" solution. • One reason the Coastal Annexation Area remains relatively pristine today is due in large part to the many residents in the area who have continuously, and in some cases for generation after generation, worked the land and served as chief stewards of its resources. Much of the visual character and economic vitality of the Coastal Annexation Area is due to farming. These same voices have been extremely vigilant in urging San Mateo County to adopt strict policies in its Local Coastal Program and Skyline Area Plan that control and direct urban development and help retain the rural character of the area. The District should take advantage of the cumulative knowledge of these residents and work with them in developing specific policies and stewardship programs for the Coastal Annexation Area. • While on the one hand, the rural lifestyle enjoyed by many residents in the Coastal Annexation Area involves a certain degree of self-reliance, on the other hand it also involves a strong sense of community; a spirit of cooperation such that when a one neighbor needs help, many will respond. The District, while needing to be sensitive to the fact that it is a public agency and must act according to specific regulations governing the conduct of a public agency, also needs to be a good neighbor in the way it establishes its priorities within the Coastal Annexation Area and conducts its business. O Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 3 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Prelimina;Daft Service Plan In recognition that the Coastal Annexation Area is a distinct landscape with unique challenges and opportunities for land conservation, the District is developing a set of Guiding Principles as an integral part of its Service Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area. These principles are to direct the annexation process and to inform the public how the District intends to work within the Coastal Annexation Area. More detailed and comprehensive policies will be developed with full public involvement following completion of the annexation process. © Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 4 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary. Coastal Annexation Area MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Daft Service Plan PRELIMINARY DRAFT SERVICE PLAN Purpose Extending the District's boundaries to include the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area would allow the District to partner with other organizations in both land acquisition and ongoing stewardship programs to preserve and manage Coastal Annexation Area open space lands. In particular, the District would focus its efforts in the Coastal Annexation Area on the preservation and management of those lands that: • provide key links to existing District and other public open space lands; • contain sensitive resources like habitats for special status species or lands that are critical to the protection of watershed integrity and water quality; • provide long-term resource management opportunities for lands owned by the Peninsula Open Space Trust or other public or non-profit entities that request management assistance by the District, • implement the County's proposed regional trail system; • provide specific opportunities for visitor access and low-intensity recreation; and • provide opportunities for scientific research, outdoor environmental education programs, and interpretive programs. Reasons for the Annexation Proposal at This Time The primary reasons for the District's proposal to expand its boundaries to include the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation Area at this time are: • In 1997, resolutions from the Half Moon Bay City Council, the Mid-Coast Community Council, and the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council as well as a letter and petition from the Coastal Alliance (a grassroots land preservation organization) were sent to the District requesting that the District explore ways to permanently conserve the open space resources of the San Mateo Coast. • Discussions with other major open space, recreation, and park service providers within the Coastal Annexation Area that indicate a lack of ability within those agencies to provide expanded open space preservation services and the need for a local organization to do so. These included the National Park Service, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and San Mateo County Parks Department. • The Peninsula Open Space Trust, a major landowner in the Coastal Annexation Area, has asked the District to provide expertise in management, land stewardship, and low-intensity public recreation programs on some of the properties owned by the Trust. • Dramatic changes in real estate dynamics caused by economic changes within the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in particular within San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. These dynamics involve an increase in personal income associated with the economic vitality of Silicon Valley industries and a subsequent supply/demand elevation in real estate value anticipation on the part of property owners. An additional reason for the proposed District annexation includes: • If the District is to play a serious role in acquiring and/or managing properties in the Coastal Annexation Area, it would benefit from local input and an administrative presence on the coast. (D tote:This is a progress report.All in_f)miation outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 5 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo CountyApplication LAFCo ppcation Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Daft Service Plan Unless the Coastal Annexation Area is annexed by the District, the District cannot spend the resources needed to more formally involve Coastal Annexation Area residents in decision-making about open space preservation opportunities, nor can it provide staff for resource management in the Coastal Annexation Area. Guiding Principles for the Coastal Annexation Area The District currently operates under a set of basic policies and related resource management policies. While many of the District's existing policies may apply to the Coastal Annexation Area, it is recognized that they are not necessarily reflective of the particular land and open space resources of the Coastal landscape nor the particular needs of area residents. Incorporated into the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Service Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area is a set of Guiding Principles. These Principles will direct how the District will undertake operations within the Coastal Annexation Area until appropriate policies are adopted by the District Board. Guiding principles for the Coastal Annexation Area are listed below. They are organized as one of three types. These are: • Permanent Policies -- policy statements that the District has determined are critical to its ability to operate effectively within the Coastal Annexation Area and are intended to be carried forth over time. Permanent policies are preceded with a "P" . • Guidelines -- that are intended to guide decision-making and initial program activities that would involve the Coastal Annexation Area to indicate to the general public a clear commitment by the District. Guidelines are preceded with a "G" . • Implementation Actions -- that are intended to refer to actions, procedures, programs, or techniques that carry out related Permanent Policies and Guidelines. Implementation actions are identified with the code numbers including an "(i)" The following principles will apply to the activities of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District within the Coastal Annexation Area. LAND ACQUISITION Permanent Policy Within the defined Coastal Annexation Area the District shall only P.I acquire lands or interests in lands from willing sellers. This policy will be considered a Basic Policy for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation The willing seller policy within the defined Coastal Annexation Area of Action the District shall be a permanent policy adopted by ordinance of the P.LA.(i) District Board of Directors and further implemented as follows: Implementation The permanence of the willing seller policy is a basic component of the Action District's application to the San Mateo Local Agency Formation P.1.B(i) Commission. It will be a basic component of the Service Plan to be approved by LAFCo. It will also be adopted by the District as an ordinance, and through the District Board of Directors' certification of the Coastal Annexation Area Environmental Impact Report, and will serve as an agricultural and housing impact mitigation measure pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). © Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is For planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 6 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mi Peninsula Regional Open Space District Prelimina;Daft Service Plan SERVICES AND FUNDING Guideline The District shall only acquire lands or enter into management G.1 agreements with other public or non-profit entities where such agreement i would not result in any significant impact to existing services. Implementation Following annexation, the District will work cooperatively with its Action constituents to develop appropriate District funding measures to provide G.I.A(i) additional services within the Coastal Annexation Area. See also Guideline G.S.C(i) Guideline Prior to making any lands available to public access for low-intensity G.2 recreation in the Coastal Annexation Area, the District shall have personnel and equipment available to manage public access such that there would be no significant impact on existing services and to provide adequate stewardship to protect natural resources. Implementation The District shall conduct a site assessment prior to entering into any Action acquisition and/or management agreements to assure that the District G.2.A(i) shall not undertake any project without sufficient resources to sustain that project. AGRICULTURE Guideline The District shall not convert prime agricultural land to a use that would G.3.1 prevent agricultural use. Guideline The District shall ensure that its land management practices will not G. 3.2 significantly impact the physical and economic integrity of prime agricultural lands on or adjacent to properties owned or managed by the District. Guideline Improvements or public uses located upon open space lands other than G.3.3 agriculture shall be guided away from existing prime agricultural lands toward areas containing non-prime agricultural lands, unless that action would not promote the planned, orderly, efficient use of an area. Implementation In acquiring lands and preparing site assessments, the District shall Action recognize that agriculture in the marketplace is dynamic and that G.3.A(i) agricultural use practices must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and relative to current marketplace conditions. Implementation The preparation of site assessments and public access plans for low- Action intensity public recreation by the District involving prime agricultural G.3.11(i) lands shall include consultation with local agricultural interests and public review. See also Guidelines G.6.3 and G.7 O Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for pGtnning purposes only and is subject to change Page 7 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 I San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Yid _peninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Dafi Service Plan FORESTRY Guideline The District shall not propose nor encourage long-term harvest of timber GA on District-owned property. On a case-by-case basis, the District may purchase property that includes approved timber harvest plans or may, on occasion, permit selected timber harvests on District-owned property if such harvests are shown to be in the best interest of managing the ecological values of the property. REPRESENTATION AND PLANNING Guideline Upon annexation, the District shall determine appropriate forms of G.5.1 representation so that District planning and decision-making relating to the Coastal Annexation Area is inclusive of Coastal Annexation Area resident viewpoints. Implementation The District Board shall conduct periodic meetings within the Coastal Action Annexation Area when appropriate and when significant agenda items G.5.A(i) specifically relate to the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation To ensure recommendations representing local involvement are Action considered in all significant District planning and decision-making G.5.11(i) relating to the Coastal Annexation Area, the District will consult with local elected officials, government agencies, and government-sponsored organizations within the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation To further ensure recommendations representing local involvement are Action considered in all significant District planning and decision-making G.5.C(i) relating to the Coastal Annexation Area, the District shall directly notify community-interest groups, non-profit land trusts, and other conservation oriented organizations of District Board meetings or other public meetings that involve subjects relating to the District's activities within the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation Following annexation, no action regarding adoption of Coastal Action Annexation Area policies shall be taken by the District without G.5.D(i) consultation with elected officials, government agencies, and government- sponsored organizations within the Coastal Annexation Area. All proposed policies will be reviewed by the full Board of Directors at public meetings held in the Coastal Annexation Area. Guideline The District will adapt and expand a complete set of Basic Policies for the G.6.1 Coastal Annexation Area. I Guideline The District's existing Master Plan and Regional Open Space Study will i G.6.2 be expanded to include the Coastal Annexation Area. O its:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 8 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 i San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Daft Service Plan Guideline Prior to making any lands available to low-intensity public access, the G.6.3 District shall prepare and adopt a site-specific resource management and public access plan those any lands acquired by the District or managed for others through contract. Inherent in the preservation of open space resources is the protection of listed plant and animal species; ecological systems; water quality; visual resources; and the unique cultural resources in the Coastal Annexation Area, including historic, archaeological and paleontological resources. Implementation Upon completion of the annexation process and with public involvement Action through local groups, the District shall undertake studies as necessary to G.6.A(i) adapt and expand its Basic Policies for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area to include, but not be limited to the following topics: resource management; public access; recreational use; public safety; cultural resources; agriculture and timber production; inter-agency relationships; and public information. See also Guideline G.S.C(i) Implementation Following adoption of Basic Policies for the San Mateo Coastal Action Annexation Area, the District shall complete an expansion of its Master G.6.B(i) Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area which shall set forth guidelines for District acquisitions and show the relative desirability of lands as potential open space. See also Guideline G.S.C(i) Implementation A District planning staff member will be appointed as a liaison for the Action Coastal Annexation Area to work with local government and interest G.6.C(i) groups in developing recommendations to the District Board of Directors. Implementation The District will open a field office within the Coastal Annexation Area Action once the District has the need for permanent management presence in the G.6.D(i) area. Guideline In implementing any specific management or public access plans, the G.7 District shall obtain all necessary permits from appropriate Federal, State, and local land and resource regulatory agencies. Such agencies include, but are not limited to, San Mateo County, the City of Half Moon Bay, and the Califronia Coastal Commission. Changes in Land Use and Land Use Controls if Proceedings Completed The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is not a land use regulatory agency. There are no foreseeable changes in land use designations or land use controls if the annexation proceedings are completed. As a property owner, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District must work within the context of existing County and City land use and zoning designations. The purpose of the © Note: This is a progress report.All inforrrtation outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 9 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Qa[t Service Plan District presence in the Coastal Annexation Area is to acquire and manage open space resources and, where appropriate, provide low-intensity recreation opportunities for the general public. Description of Services to be Extended to the Coastal Annexation Area (Affected Territory The District's mission is: "To acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity; protect and restore the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education." Services of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to be extended to the Coastal Annexation Area would include: • Acquisition of lands and/or easements limited to available funding and based upon negotiations with willing sellers. • Management of lands acquired by the District or management of lands through contract with other property owners (e.g. the Peninsula Open Space Trust, State of California, and the like) involving stewardship programs and low-intensity recreation access. Contracts to manage other property owners' lands would be subject to available District resources such that no significant impact to existing District services would result. • Sale or lease of District-owned agricultural lands for agricultural use conditioned, based on the site-specific resource characteristics of the property, with conservation or public access easements. • Development and approval by the District Board of Directors of long-range planning documents to guide District programs. These documents would be in the form of: (1) an expansion of the Master Plan; and (2) an expansion of the Open Space Study for the Coastal Annexation Area. Resource management programs, low-intensity public access programs, and land acquisition programs identified within these planning documents would be subject to available District resources so that no significant impact to existing District services would result. • Preparation of site assessments as well as use and management plans for individual properties that are either acquired by the District or for which the District assumes management but may be owned by others. Level, Range, and Timing of Services District services can feasibly be extended to the Coastal Annexation Area immediately upon final approval of annexation. The extent and level of the expansion of services will be dependent on a number of factors including: opportunities to acquire land offered by willing sellers; funding opportunities from public or private sources for land acquisition grants; requests by other public or private non-profit property owners for providing land management expertise and services; and the potential for expanded District revenues through a voter-approved funding measure. Improvements The District is most interested in obtaining and/or managing "open space" properties. These are properties that typically have little or very limited existing improvements. Municipal sewer or water services are not normally sought by the District unless already available to the property. © Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change page 10 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid eninsula Re final Open Space District Preliminary Da Service Pl an Potential improvements the District might develop would include field offices, maintenance facilities and related facilities to support stewardship activities, and visitor-serving facilities for public low- intensity recreation. Visitor-serving facilities typically would include: small, unpaved parking areas typically less than 1 acre in size; self-contained sanitary facilities; map boards, safety and regulatory signs; natural-surfaced trails; and patrol and emergency access routes. Should the District acquire lands that contain existing structures, these structures may be maintained and improved for uses such as staff or caretaker housing or for rental to others at market rates. Structures may or may not be retained depending on their condition and potential for compatible use. If retained, structures would likely not be expanded. If warranted and not of historic or scenic value, structures may be demolished. Financial Arrangements Financing for construction of low-intensity public access improvements and operation of District services has typically been provided from District general revenues augmented by Federal and State grant programs. Entry fees for public recreational use of District lands are generally not charged. On a case-by-case basis, the District charges fees for commercial use, residential rentals, or agricultural leases. District stewardship and low-intensity recreational programs are funded from District general funds and interpretive programs are supplemented by Docents and other volunteers. Following annexation, the District will work cooperatively with its constituents to develop appropriate voter-approved District funding measures to provide services within the Coastal Annexation Area. Timetable for Services District services will be provided within the Coastal Annexation Area effective immediately upon final annexation and would be implemented in a phased program that is reflective of the District's Guiding Principles for the Coastal Annexation Area. Table D-1 g presents an overview of three alternative scenarios for District acquisition and management programs that might be anticipated for fifteen years after annexation. Scenarios assume the acquisition of lands or easements by the District would be from willing sellers only and present a general overview the amount of land that could reasonably b anticipated to be g Y eacquired and/or managed under different funding assumptions. For example, if a voter-approved funding measure is pursued either within the Coastal Annexation Area alone (Scenario 2) or District-wide (Scenario 3), it is anticipated (based on polling) that the maximum tax would be up to $1 per month or $12 per parcel per year. This would generate an additional $300,000 to 400,000 annually if limited to the Coastal Annexation Area only or about 3 to 4 million dollars annually if the funding measure was approved District-wide. The scenarios are: • Scenario #1 -- Financing from Existing District Revenues: The District's role within the Coastal Annexation Area would emphasize providing open space and low-intensity recreation management programs. The District would work in partnership with other public agencies and private non-profit land trusts that might acquire lands. District land acquisition would be OO Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page I I Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Olen Space District Preliminary Daft Service Plan limited to those opportunities presented by willing sellers and to funding available from government grants and private sources. • Scenario #2 -- Financing from Existing District Revenues and new voter-approved funding generated from within Coastal Annexation Area Only: The District's role within the Coastal Annexation Area would emphasize providing open space and low-intensity recreation management programs. However, this scenario assumes that a new funding source is approved by Coastal Annexation Area residents and that such funding would be used mostly, but not exclusively, for expanding open space and low-intensity recreation management programs. As in Scenario #1, the District's role within the Coastal Annexation Area would emphasize working in partnership with other public agencies and private non-profit land trusts that might acquire lands. However, this would be complemented with a modest District land acquisition program that would also strongly rely on other public agencies and private non- profit land trusts to acquire open space lands that the District would subsequently manage • Scenario #3 -- Financing from a Voter Approved District-wide Funding Measure: The District's role within the Coastal Annexation Area would be balanced between land acquisition and providing open space and low-intensity recreation management programs. This scenario assumes that a new funding source is approved District-wide and that such funding would be used for both expanding District land acquisition and open space management programs in the Coastal Annexation Area. II I © Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 12 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Flan TABLE 1: ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS FOR COASTAL ANNEXATION AREA LAND AC UISITION AND MANAGEMENT Approximate Scenario #1 Scenario #2 Scenario #3: Time Frame Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition principally from grants; emphasis on principally from grants; emphasis on land from grants and new District-wide voter- land management funded from existing management funded from existing approved funding; emphasis balanced sources sources and new voter-approved funding between land acquisition and generated from within Coastal management Annexation Area. Year 0 Annexation Approval Same as Scenario #1 Same as Scenario #1 Years 0-1 Funding Same as Scenario #1 Same as Scenario #1 • Land acquisition and management programs based on existing District funding sources Plannine o • Focused discussions with local interests about: developing policies, updating the District Open Space Master Plan; and alternative District funding measures Acquisition • None likely • Apply for grants based on specific opportunities Management • Screen partnership opportunities for resource and public access management End of Lands Acquired: 0 acres Same as Scenario #1 Same as Scenario #1 Year 1 Lands Managed: 0 acres Note:Tbis is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning Purposes only and is subject to change Page 13 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midieninsula Regional Oren Space District Preliminary Drafi Service Plan TABLE 1: ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS FOR COASTAL AREA LAND ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT Approximate Scenario #1 Scenario #2 Scenario #3: Time Frame Years 2-3 Funding Same as Scenario #1 Same as Scenario #1 • Programs based on existing District funding sources • Place new funding measure on ballot Planning • Policy Review: Adapt / expand existing District Basic policies specifically for the Coastal Annexation Area • Update the District Master Plan and Open Space Study to include the Coastal Annexation Area Land Acquisition • Acquire 40 to 200 acres / year via grants or existing District funding sources • Apply for grants based on specific opportunities Land Management • Limited program expansion of resource and public access management by appx. 400 to 600 acres / year based on partnership opportunities and existing District funding End of Lands Acquired: 80 to 400 acres Same as Scenario #1 Same as Scenario #1 Year 3* Lands Managed: 880 to 1600 acres* * Acreage projections are cumulative; projections for lands managed include both land acquired and land managed through partnership contracts. 0 Note:This is a progress report.All irtferrnation outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 14 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid Regional Open Space District Preliminary Dra� Service Plan TABLE 1: ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS FOR COASTAL AREA LAND ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT Approximate Scenario #1 Scenario #2 Scenario #3: Time Frame Years 4-5 Funding Funding Funding • Programs based on existing District • Programs based on grants and • Programs based on grants and funding sources (including grants) revenues from Coastal Annexation revenues from District-wide funding Area funding measure measure Land Acquisition Land Acquisition Land Acquisition • Apply for grants based on specific • Same as Scenario #1 • Same as Scenario #1 except: opportunities • Acquire 200 to 400 acres / year via • Acquire 40 to 200 acres / year via grants or through District funding grants or existing District funding sources Land Management Land Management Land Management • Limited expansion of resource and • Moderate expansion of resource and • Expansion of resource and public public access management by public access management by access management by approximately approximately 400 to 600 acres / approximately 600 to 800 acres / year 800 to 1200 acres / year based on i year based on principally on based on partnership opportunities partnership opportunities and lands partnership opportunities and and lands acquired acquired existing District funding End of Lands Acquired: 160 to 800 acres Lands Acquired: 160 to 800 acres Lands Acquired: 480 to 1200 acres Year 5 Lands Managed: 1640 to 3200 acres Lands Managed: 2160 to 3600 acres Lands Managed: 2880 to 4800 acres * Acreage projections are cumulative; projections for lands managed include both land acquired and land managed through partnership contracts. Note:This it it progress report.All inprnnation outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 15 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid.4eninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Drat Service Plan TABLE 1: ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS FOR COASTAL AREA LAND ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT Approximate Scenario #1 Scenario #2 Scenario #3: Time Frame Years 6-15 Funding Funding Funding • Programs based on existing District • Programs based on grants and • Programs based on grants and funding sources (including grants) revenues from Coastal Annexation revenues from District-wide funding Area funding measure measure Land Acquisition Land Acquisition Land Acquisition • Apply for grants based on specific • Same as Scenario #1 • Same as Scenario #1 opportunities • Acquire 600 to 1200 acres / year via • Acquire 40 to 200 acres / year via grants or through District funding grants or existing District funding Land Management Land Management Land Management • Limited expansion of resource and • Moderate expansion of resource and • Expansion of resource and public public access management by public access management by access management by approximately approximately 400 to 600 acres / approximately 600 to 800 acres / year 800 to 1600 acres / year based on year based principally on based on partnership opportunities partnership opportunities and lands partnership opportunities and and lands acquired acquired existing District funding End of Lands Acquired: 560 to 2,800 acres Lands Acquired: 560 to 2,800 acres Lands Acquired: 2,480 to 5,200 acres Year 15 Lands Managed: 6,160 to 11,200 acres Lands Managed: 8,560 to 13,600 acres Lands Managed: 12,880 to 20,800 acres * Acreage projections are cumulative; projections for lands managed include both land acquired and land managed through partnership contracts. I U Note.This is it progress report.All inhbrnmtion outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 16 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Olen Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan SERVICE PLAN DEFINITIONS As used above, the following definitions apply: San Mateo County Coastal Annexation Area: is generally defined as follows: • on the east by the existing District boundary and San Francisco Watershed Lands • on the west by the Pacific Ocean • on the north by the southern boundary of the City of Pacifica • on the south by the San Mateo County / Santa Cruz County boundary BASIC POLICIES: a set of general policies adopted by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors that define open space, the District's purpose, and strategic planning goals. Basic policies provide guidance to District activities in the areas of. open space acquisition; planning; resource management; public recreational use and improvements; public safety; cultural resources; agriculture and revenue-producing use; interagency relationships (including cooperation, participation, and joint projects); research activities; public involvement (including public information, meeting procedures, public input, neighbor relations, participation, and volunteerism); and administration. AGRICULTURAL LAND: means land currently used for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity for commercial purposes, land left fallow under a crop rotational program, or land enrolled in an agricultural subsidy or set-aside program. source: Section 56016 of the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND: means an of the following: Y g 1. All land that qualifies for rating as class I or class II in the Natural Resource Conservation Service land use capability classifications. 2. Land which qualifies for rating 80 through 100 in the Storie Index Rating. 3. Land which supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber and which has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one animal unit per acre as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. 4. Land planted with fruit- or nut-bearing trees, vines, bushes or crops which have a nonbearing period of less than five years and which will normally return during the commercial bearing period on an annual basis from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production not less than two hundred dollars ($200) per acre. 5. Land which has returned from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant products an annual gross value of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) per acre for three of the previous five years. source: Section 51201 of the California Land Conservation Act of 1965 or also known as the Williamson Act LOW-INTENSITY RECREATION: means recreation that avoids concentration of use, significant alteration of the land, and significant impact on the natural resources or on the appreciation of nature. Criteria for evaluating for types, timing, and level of access for low-intensity public recreational use of open ace lands include: © Note:This is a progress report_All infornuttion outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 17 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00 San Mateo County LAFCo Application Summary: Coastal Annexation Area MidPeninsula Regional Olen Space District Preliminary Drag Service Plan 1. Protection of natural resources; 2. Preservation of the opportunity for tranquil nature study and observation; 3. Avoidance of significant user conflicts; 4. Availability of Board and staff time, funding, and/or other means, to plan and manage the use. source: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Basic Policy, March 10, 1999 MASTER PLAN, REGIONAL OPEN SPACE STUDY: To guide the District's open space preservation efforts, the District produces a Master Plan and a Regional Open Space Study. The Master Plan sets forth guidelines for District acquisitions and shows the relative desirability of potential for open space preservation. The Regional Open Space Study shows the general extent of lands and public access improvements existing and under consideration by the District and complementary agencies to complete the District's mission. Both documents are subject to periodic review and modification by the Board of Directors after public hearings. The Regional Open Space Study is subject to periodic technical updates. source: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Basic Policy, March 10, 1999 OPEN SPACE: means any parcel or area of land or water which is substantially unimproved and devoted to an open-space use, or which is designated on a local, regional or state open-space plan as an of the following: Y g 1. preservation th e or f ace Open s reservation of natural resources including, but not limited to, areas P P g required for the preservation of plant and animal life, including habitat for fish and wildlife species; areas required for ecological and other scientific study purposes; rivers, streams, bays and estuaries; and coastal beaches, lake shores, banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands. 2. Open space used for the managed production of resources, including but not limited to, forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the production of food or fiber; areas required for recharge of ground water basins; bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers and streams which are important for the management of commercial fisheries; and areas containing major mineral deposits, including those in short supply. 3. Open space for low-intensity outdoor recreation, including but not limited to, areas of outstanding scenic, historic and cultural value; areas particularly suited for recreation purposes, including access to lake shores, beaches, and rivers and streams; and areas which serve as links between major recreation and open-space reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and streams, trails, and scenic highway corridors. 4. Open space for public health and safety, including, but not limited to, areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, flood plains, watersheds, areas presenting high fire risks, areas required for the protection of water quality and water reservoirs and areas required for the protection and enhancement of air quality. sources: Sections 56059 of the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 and Section 65563 of the California Government Code Oc Note:This is a progress report.All inforrnution outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 18 Discussion Draft: 5/25/00