HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2009-163 N.C.S. 10/05/2009Resolution No. 2009-163 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA
PROPOSING NECESSARY REVISIONS TO THE
SONOMA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION
AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Open Space District (OSD) Matching Grant Program provides funding
for land acquisition, development of recreational amenities, and restoration of open space within
or near urban areas; and,
WHEREAS, the Program is highly valuable to cities because it is instrumental in setting
aside areas that preserve our natural settings; and,
WHEREAS, these areas are becoming more and more scarce in the face of development;
and,
WHEREAS, the Matching Grant Program is an important component of OSD's mission
to permanently protect the diverse agricultural, natural resource, and scenic open space lands of
Sonoma County for future generations; and,
WIFIEREAS, OSD has experienced, at least temporarily, a decrease in sales tax and other
revenues; and.
WHEREAS, the grant awards have declined each year for the past few years, going
from, $10 million in 2007 to $6 million in 2008; and,
WHEREAS, in 2009, the program is anticipated to provide up to $2 million in grants, an
80% reduction in funding over the prior two years; and,
WHEREAS, although it is true that OSD revenues are decreasing, at least temporarily, it
is also true that crucial pieces of land should be preserved while they are still available, and that
the acquisition of said lands should be viewed as an investment in what is becoming a finite
resource.
Resolution No. 2009-163 N.C.S. Page 1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of
Petaluma supports two revisions that have been proposed to the Matching Grant Program and
strongly urges the OSD to provide flexibility by allowing multi-year awards, which would allow
larger parcels of lands, or lands of particular significance, to be secured immediately but paid for
over a longer period of time, allowing the OSD to invest in larger, high-priority projects that it
would otherwise have to decline.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City Council strongly urges the OSD to
increase the amount available for the Matching Grant Program, which is an essential tool for
preserving important lands in and around communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City Council requests the City Clerk to
send copies of this Resolution to the Open Space District and the Sonoma County Board of
Supervisors.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: 1 hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the pp o~ed s to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 5`h day of October, for
2009, by the following vote:
AYES: Vice Mayor Barrett, Glass, Harris, Healy, Rabbitt, Renee, Mayor "forliatt
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
u
ATTEST:
City Clerk
ey
Resolution No. 2009-163 N.C.S. Page 2