Councilwoman Laura Flores Espinosa asked what such grants would allow, and Yanez said land acquisition, development, rehabilitation or restoration for existing parks should be covered.Mayor Don Johnson asked about the existing Master Plan: “I heard it was formed in 1970 or 1972; is that correct? I’ve never seen it.”Espinosa said the issue asked to be put on the agenda warranted a written report that includes what is already in effect and which would give the council a chance for review and possible revival.Yanez said Public Works Director-City Engineer Norm Wilkinson had further information, but the council opted to wait for a complete written report - including a copy of the city’s Parks Master Plan - before further discussion on the matter.During public comment, Ken Chapman said that he hoped that the momentumreached by opponents of Measure I - the successful SOAR land-use initiative that requires voter approval of development in Adams Canyon but allows construction of municipal parks - could be used to help capture funding for parks. Opponents of Measure I relied heavily on the theme of parks for kids in their failed campaign to defeat the initiative.
Council wants more info on Park Master Plan
December 20, 2000
Santa Paula City Council
A proposed discussion on a past Master Plan for parks and present opportunities went back to the drawing board when the council cut short a verbal report that they believed would not contain enough specific information.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA proposed discussion on a past Master Plan for parks and present opportunities went back to the drawing board when the council cut short a verbal report that they believed would not contain enough specific information.The council had asked that a discussion of parks be held at the Dec. 4th meeting, including information on a city parks Master Plan dating from the 1970s.City Manager Peter Cosentini said he had requested staff to look at “one component” of such a plan, the creation of a commission to receive park bond money.Brian Yanez, community services director, told the council of the Safe Neighborhood Parks bond measure that was passed and is the largest such bond in United States history.The city qualifies for several such grants, he added, which could bring a total of several thousand dollars a year to park funding. There are no grant guidelines at this time, he added, and the issue of a commission being in place to receive the funding is still unresolved. There are other grants the city could tap into, Yanez said, which would require public hearings for spending outlines and then application for same.
