Sonoma County Grand Jury
• 2006-2007
Access and Recreation in Open Space District Properties
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 11 findings
F1
Page 4
Measure F adds new language to the expenditure plan. This new language makes it clear that the open space district can and should provide funds for open space projects in incorporated areas (cities). 9
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Page 5
Approximately two-thirds of the sales tax revenue comes from residents of the nine cities and their suburbs.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Page 5
A public opinion survey showed very strong support for environmental and open space issues. By implication the survey shows very strong support for the goals and objectives of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Page 5
The same public opinion survey shows strong support for neighborhood parks, playgrounds and athletic fields. Testimony from witnesses confirms there is a strong public interest and demand for neighborhood parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Page 5
The district places a lot of emphasis on the acquisition and development of land for trails that are for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Page 5
The Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District has a low level of interest in providing funds for active recreation e.g., neighborhood parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic areas, hunting, fishing, etc.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
Page 6
The Board of Supervisors should require greater emphasis and greater willingness to spend district funds on neighborhood parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and picnic areas.
R5
Page 6
Recognizing that the great majority of the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District tax funds come from city residents and that they have expressed strong desire and support for neighborhood parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, the Board of Supervisors should direct the allocation of a greater portion of these tax funds to provide, operate, and maintain recreational facilities in or near city residential areas.
F7
Page 5
The Open Space District in the past has not met with city planning departments to review the city open space element of each city's general plan and there has been no development of a comprehensive, long-term approach with each city.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Page 6
The Board of Supervisors should establish policies to require the Open Space District to conduct conferences with each city planning department and city parks department to review the open space element of each city's General Plan. Among the goals of such a conference would be a review of both the county and city open space elements to establish coordination and planning on a comprehensive and long-term basis.
R6
Page 6
City Councils should establish policies and practices to meet with the Open Space District to review planning on a comprehensive and long-term basis.
F8
Page 5
Representatives from city planning departments praised the Open Space District and its staff. The staff was described as very knowledgeable, helpful and a source for expertise and contacts that are not available to city planning departments.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Page 5
The public opinion survey, public statements, media coverage, and interviews have indicated a strong desire to obtain access to the properties and easements obtained with public funds.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Page 6
The Board of Supervisors should establish policies and practices that will maximize public access to land acquired through both fee purchases and easement agreements. This would include instructions to the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District staff to consider that public access is a top priority.
F10
Page 5
The Open Space District does not budget or plan the allocation of funds for future acquisitions.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Page 5
A review and revision of policies and directives is the responsibility of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Conclusion With the passage of Measure F, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District has the opportunity to break new ground in the areas of active recreation, partnership with cities, implementing an operations and maintenance program, and increasing access to properties and easements acquired with public funds. With direction, guidance, and support by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, significant progress can be obtained in the implementation and execution of these objectives. Commendations The Sonoma County Grand Jury would like to thank all those who assisted in providing valuable information toward this report. The members of the Sonoma County Grand Jury who interviewed the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District staff were impressed by the educational qualifications, experience, knowledge and attitudes of staff members. Witnesses from city planning departments praised the Open Space District and the district staff. A typical remark was, "they are very responsive." When describing individual projects these witnesses described the participation of the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District staff as positive, helpful, and a good resource for expertise and assistance.
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R1Page 6The language change in exhibit A of Measure F states, "The purpose of this expenditure plan is to implement the Sonoma County General Plan and the General Plans of the county's incorporated cities by preserving agricultural land use and open space." It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors initiate an independent study to determine what effect, if any, the new language has on the policies and practices of the Open Space District.
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 5With the passage of Measure F, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District has the opportunity to break new ground in the areas of active recreation, partnership with cities, implementing an operations and maintenance program, and increasing access to properties and easements acquired with public funds. With direction, guidance, and support by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, significant progress can be obtained in the implementation and execution of these objectives.
Commendations 2
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CM1 Page 5The Sonoma County Grand Jury would like to thank all those who assisted in providing valuable information toward this report. 10
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CM2 Page 6The members of the Sonoma County Grand Jury who interviewed the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District staff were impressed by the educational qualifications, experience, knowledge and attitudes of staff members. Witnesses from city planning departments praised the Open Space District and the district staff. A typical remark was, "they are very responsive." When describing individual projects these witnesses described the participation of the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District staff as positive, helpful, and a good resource for expertise and assistance.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office