Minutes of Agua Dulce Town Council Meeting

APPROVED: 2/10/99

AGUA DULCE TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES

January 13, 1999

Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m. by Jim Duzick, President. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Jim Duzick, Dave McCord, Darrell Readmond, Diane Terito, and Mike Terito were present. Doc Ellis arrived at 8:15 p.m. Mike left at 10:05 p.m. George Dyer was absent due to other commitments.

AGENDA, APPROVAL OF MINUTES and OMISSION OF TREASURER’S REPORT: An agenda was presented by Jim. Minutes of the December 9, 1998, meeting were submitted by Diane. Dave moved to accept the agenda and minutes as presented, and omit the Treasurer’s Report due to the press of business. VOTE: Aye – 5; No - 0; Abstain - 0.

PROPOSITION "A" FUNDS: Jim provided some background information, and introduced the guests from the L.A. County Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR). These guests were: James Park, Assistant Director, overseeing the Capital Projects Agency; Kimel Conway, Chief of Planning; Jeff Wheeler, Regional Operations Manager (North L.A. County facilities); Tom Reilly, Department Head, Facility Planning Department; Kathleen Ritner, Natural Areas Ranger; and Mike Sharp, Ranger for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. Jim also introduced David Volz, a landscape architect who is consulting for the County on this project.

Jim Park began the program with some general statements:

The County, its consultants and staff, the Town Council, and the Agua Dulce community need to view themselves as Partners in the planning process.
The DPR is aiming for an overall consensus between the DPR and the community of Agua Dulce on the most important things, so that available funds are well utilized. There may be some compromises which need to be reached as the County and community move through the planning process.
There are two "pots" of money for the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Agua Dulce.

1996 Proposition "A": $1.2 million was allocated for development of a nature center/museum, and/or general development of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. That was passed by the voters of L.A. County. These funds can not be used for acquisition of additional property for the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.
1996 Proposition "A": A separate category was designated for the Santa Clarita Woodlands in the amount of approximately $2.5 million. $895,000 was designated for the Vasquez Rocks area. These funds may be used for land acquisition.

The DPR has some ideas about where the funds should be spent.

There are infrastructure needs at the park. Items like adequate restroom facilities, water, as well as other infrastructure are under consideration.
Other items, other than infrastructure, which should be done within the park;
Land acquisition, which may include:

Several parcels, comprising 155 acres at the northeast corner of the park;
Hacienda Vasquez Mobilehome park;
Paradise Park – 90 acres.

The DPR would also like to hear what the community’s priorities are.

Jim introduced David Volz, consulting landscape architect. His remarks included the following points:

The objective is to develop a list of priorities for the park, and work to achieve a consensus so that the resulting improvements are a benefit to everyone.
The first area of focus is where to spend the $1.2 million allocated for the park. There are definite infrastructure needs at the park, which include water and restroom facilities for visitors, which must be addressed.
After those needs are addressed, there will still be quite a bit of money left over from the $1.2 million. The DPR proposes to hold several meetings with the community. In the first few meetings, the DPR would like the community’s input regarding how the remaining money should be spent. Following these meetings, a plan will be presented on how the money will be spent and a report on how the decisions were made, followed by a construction plan.
There are other ideas in which the community is interested which are not directly related to Vasquez Park. These priorities will come out through the planning process, and will be discussed. However, the initial process needs to focus on the $1.2 million earmarked for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.

In answer to a question from the Town Council, David responded to the following additional points:

A full study has not been done yet on the specific infrastructure that the DPR would propose, or the costs associated with it. Some of the additional infrastructure being considered, in addition to water and wastewater, are placing all of the electrical lines underground which go into the Ranger’s house.
A formal timeline has not been established, yet, but a project like this typically goes through a series of steps.

Review of studies done, like the Saphos Study. DPR engineers will also visit the park to determine what is possible, or desirable. Time frame – approximately 6 weeks;
Begin holding meetings with the Agua Dulce community to receive input;
DPR staff meetings to review recommendations made by the community, in the studies and by the DPR staff. Two alternative plans will be developed. Time frame – approximately 6 weeks;
Additional community meeting(s) will be held to review the two alternative plans and solicit input;
A draft Master Plan will be developed. Time Frame – approximately 4 weeks.
Additional community meeting(s) to present the draft Master Plan and develop consensus;
Final community presentation of the Master Plan;
The entire process to this point is envisioned to take approximately 5 months;
Construction drawings will be developed. At the community’s request, they will arrange another meeting to present these drawings. Time frame – approximately 4 months.
Bid process. Time frame – approximately 3 months;
Construction. Time frame – approximately 4 to 8 months;
The entire process as outlined above is anticipated to take approximately two years.

The question and answer period was opened to community participation. This was also viewed by the DPR representatives as the initial opportunity for community members to provide input into the process outlined above:

Q: What percentage of the park is considered to be a "sensitive area" (not open to the public)?

A: Approximately 40 acres. Some of this area is open to the public. There are approximately 5 to 8 miles of trails, and a 5 acre picnic area within the 745 acre park. Further details will be provided at a later meeting.

Q: Have usage and facilities been prioritized and are they appropriate for the park? The community has identified needs of its own, to include trails with exercise stations, children’s playground; teenage area with basketball hoops; library; and other priorities.

A: Jim Park stated that the DPR is looking at more than Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, because there is a need for more within the Agua Dulce community. Vasquez Rocks can not meet all of those needs, because it is predominantly a natural area. The community needs another type of park facility, which will need to be developed separately from Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.

Q: Is it possible to use some of the allocated Proposition "A" land acquisition funds to build a community park?

A: Jim Park stated that that may be possible. The $865,000 allocation within the Proposition "A" funds could be used for other than the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.

Q: What would the process be?

A: The needs of the community will be discussed in meetings with the DPR, and a consensus reached.

Q: Will the Pacific Crest Trail always be maintained on its current route through Vasquez Rocks Natural Area?

A: Yes, as far as we know.

Q: Has the DPR considered the properties adjoining the park with existing infrastructure for the nature center/museum, like the ones on Escondido Canyon Road?

A: Yes, and they will be under consideration further down the line. There are opportunities within the park and on adjacent parcels, which may be appropriate for a nature center.

Q: What is the impact of horses on Vasquez Rocks Natural Area? If horses are banned, shouldn’t people be banned as well?

A: Vasquez Rocks can accommodate multiple uses with sensitive planning and programming. It is a public resource which should be open to the public, with awareness that there are natural resources within the park which need to be protected.

Q: How much does Agua Dulce make from filming in the area, and will we lose it?

A: This activity will continue. The money earned from this use is a subject which will need to be addressed at a future meeting when more information is available.

Q: Why do we need more water for the park, when there are three new wells which were dug last summer in a field in Vasquez Rocks?

A: We will need to report back regarding these wells at a future meeting. This will be investigated in parallel with how we want to expand, and invest the $1.2 million available for the park. We are starting from tonight with an open agenda on what should be done with the available money.

Q: Could existing structures at Paradise Park, Hacienda Vasquez, or Sweetwater Ranch be retrofitted for use as a nature center?

A: We don’t know, but will investigate those as possibilities. The DPR is not currently making an offer on any property.

Q: Where does a nature center/interpretive center stand on the priority list?

A: There isn’t a priority list. The DPR is aware that certain things are needs within Vasquez Rocks. There is interpretive work which needs to be done on the artifacts within the park in parallel with protection of those artifacts. It is important and needs to be done, so it will be high on the list.

Q: Will the plan developed for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area require a SEQUA Review (EIR)?

A: Yes.

Q: How much will the needs of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area take away from the meeting of community needs?

A: Will the existence of Vasquez Rocks reduce the need for other, local recreational land? In pure planning terms, the answer is no. The Agua Dulce community is saying tonight that you need local recreation activities for the youth. Can we accommodate those needs – we hope so. Is there enough money in the Proposition "A" funds to meet all of the needs of the park, as well as the community’s needs? No. However, we will be continuing to discuss both needs, and how we’re going to spend the available money.

Q: It is our understanding that the money Acton received for their local park was received from diverted funds through Supervisor Antonovich’s office because of overpayment to North County. Is there anymore funding available through this source?

A: Jim Park stated that he had already looked into this matter. There has been no diversion of funding from overpayment of Proposition "A" money in Acton. There was a change in the formula which was used in Acton and North County in the 1996 Proposition "A" as compared to 1992. The money given to Acton is still the same as defined in the proposition, regardless of how the payments came in.

Q: How much in stone is this? Who requested Proposition "A" funds for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in the first place?

A: The DPR worked with the Board of Supervisors’ office and making recommendations of expenditure of funding. Although a lot of funding was available for the Fifth District, it is a large district. Was there enough money allocated to meet the needs of the entire district? No. Choices were made in both the 1992 and 1996 Proposition "A". The Board realized that Acton had a need for a local park, and that there were needs in Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. Those were set in concrete.

Q: Is the community being steam rolled, whether we want this money or not?

A: The County and Supervisor Antonovich’s office are pleased to have been able to look at the over all needs of the North County and the Fifth District, and to provide funding for facilities in both Acton and at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area

An Agua Dulce resident, recommended that Vasquez Rocks Natural Area be left in its natural state.
Q: Could you summarize the proposed improvements at Vasquez Rocks and their costs?

A: We need better sanitation facilities. The staff headquarters is inadequate and needs some updating, including water, undergrounding utilities. Those are three immediate needs identified to date. There are no cost estimates, yet.

Q: $2.5 million was set aside for the Santa Clarita Woodlands. Where was the balance allocated?

A: That money was assigned to the County. The County asked publicly for projects to be submitted. Of the $2.5 million, $895,000 was set aside for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. Some of the other projects receiving money from this fund were: $1 million to the City of Santa Clarita; and $650,000 for Placerita Canyon.

Jim Duzick summarized community input he’d received. There are basic community needs which have been articulated.

A community/kid friendly park at Vasquez;
Have a nature or interpretive center so that the history and natural areas in the park may be protected while providing a learning opportunity;
Have both people and horse trails through the park so that people may enjoy it without intruding on it;
Agua Dulce needs a kids’ park where they may pursue recreational activities, which may not be compatible with Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.
A park, perhaps within the downtown area, with facilities for visitors, to include a picnic area, restroom facilities, etc.
An equestrian center has also been proposed.

Diane pointed out that there are some Agua Dulce residents who expressed disagreement with the Saphos Report.

Jim Park pointed out that Dave Vannatta, Tom Volz and Kimel Conway will comprise the DPR team actively working on this project.

BREAK: 8:35 p.m. to 8:55 p.m. Dawn Kimball demonstrated the Council’s website during this time period.

OPEN FORUM:

CIVIC VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE: LaVerne announced that this will be held on February 6, 1999, at 7:30 p.m. at the Women’s Club. Tickets are for sale around town, as well as from Civic members, at a cost of $15.00 per person.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Diane reported the following mail sent and received.

CORRESPONDENCE SENT:

Letter to Dave Vannatta dated 12/8/98. RE: Invitation to Discuss Prop A Funds at ADTC meeting of 1/13/99.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:

L.A. County Department of Public Works, dated 1/5/99. RE: Illegal Dumping Subcommittee meeting on 1/13/99 at 3:00 p.m., Fire Station No. 129, Training Center, 42110 6th Street West, Lancaster. Contact: Paul Alva – (626) 458-3573 – Monday through Thursday, 7am to 5:30pm.
Sheriff’s Department Headquarters, from Sheriff Leroy Baca, dated 12/30/98. RE: appointment of Lt. John Crabb as Service Area Lieutenant for unincorporated county areas. Contact: Lt. Crabb or Captain Hladky at (805) 267-4300.
Notice of Determination. TO: Office of Planning and Research, Sacramento. FROM: California Department of Fish & Game, Sacramento. RE: Filing of Lead Agency Notice of Determination in Compliance with Section 21108 of the Public Resources Code for 1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement and 2081 Incidental Take Permit for the Valencia Natural River Management Plan.
Copy of letter to the Regional Planning Commission, Paul McCarthy, Assistant Section Head – Land Divisions, dated 12/28/98. RE: Revised Tentative Tract Map No. 448786 (Williams Homes) request for postponement. ENCLOSURE: Letter to Paul McCarthy dated 12/21/98, RE: request for postponement from Mr. Charles Albrecq (805) 255-1717.
Copy of letters sent to Lillian Smith, Chair of the Water Stewardship Committee.

California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB), L.A. Region, dated 12/28/98, received by the WSC on 1/7/99. RE: 319 Grant Funds.
CRWQCB, L.A. Region, dated 12/8/98. RE: Quarterly Reports on Agua Dulce Wellhead Protection Plan.

Department of Regional Planning Agendas:

Planning Commission – 1/6/99:

Williams Homes – Tentative Tract Map No. 48786-(5), CUP 98-013-(5).

Hearing Officer Agenda – 1/19/99:

Senior Citizen Residence, Miles & Kathie Olin, 34124 Castlehaven Road, Agua Dulce

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

WATER COMMITTEE (Lillian Smith, Chair): Testing is under way. PatChem Laboratory was not willing to individual reports for homeowners, in addition to the report for the Water Committee. The next testing is scheduled for February Therefore, another laboratory will be chosen. Ken Schmidt is currently working on the quarterly report required by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB). John Cromwell will be addressing the Civic Association General Meeting on February 18, 1999. Lillian stated that she is not worried about the contents of a letter from Dennis Dickerson of the CRWQCB Staff dated 12/8/98.

Lillian and Peg Spry also reported that grant money is available through the CRWQCB’s 319 Grant Funds. However, the Town Council must be a legal entity (i.e., incorporated) in order to receive these moneys. The questions is whether we want to accept State money? There may be constraints, or requirements which would not be palatable to the Agua Dulce community. The CRWQCB Staff would like Agua Dulce to test for more than nitrates. The WSC has made it clear to them that this additional testing would be on a purely voluntary basis. Diane moved that whether to apply for these grant funds be tabled until the issue of whether the Council is incorporated is settled. Lillian and the WSC are authorized to communicate this decision to the CRWQCB. VOTE: Aye – 6; Absent – 1 (George Dyer). Lillian will call Bryan Schweickert to inform him that the issue is tabled until further notice.

Lillian will run ads in The Country Journal for a volunteer interested in designing and pursuing an education campaign for the Town Council and Water Stewardship Committee. The goal is to educate the community on the activities, and importance of the WSC, as well as other Council issues.

BYLAWS COMMITTEE (Dave McCord, Chair): The first scheduled meeting of this committee this year will be at Dave & Sally McCord’s home on Friday, 1/22/99, at 7:30 p.m. Call him at 268-0134 to R.S.V.P.

OLD BUSINESS:

INCORPORATION: Jim suggested that the Council may be able to reconstitute its records with the assistance of Geri Dee. Tana Lampton has possession of the Council’s records prior to 1997, and appears to be unwilling to return them to the Council. Discussion followed.

HACIENDA VASQUEZ: Jim received an update from Jo Anne Darcy. The CUP is no longer in effect. The land has reverted back to A-1 or A-2. The County has told the Salmonsons to either clean up the property or the County will do it for them and place liens on the property. The County, according to Jo Anne, is not interested in putting in low income housing on the Hacienda Vasquez property. Jim will continue to pursue updates from both Jo Anne and Building & Safety.

WILLIAMS HOMES: Jim spoke with Mr. McCarthy, who was the Hearing Officer for the CUP. The Planning Commission received a request for a 60 day delay from Mr. Charles Albrecq, owner of the property, following Williams Homes fall out of escrow.

NEW BUSINESS: Tabled for the next meeting.

OPEN FORUM (Continued):

COMMUNITY OPTIONS COMMITTEE (COC): This committee has requested direction from the Council. A Council study session with the COC was recommended. Discussion led to a motion by Diane that the COC be designated an Action Committee of the Town Council and direct them to begin to develop plans to educate the community and come forward with recommended options. VOTE: Aye – 5; Absent – 2 (George Dyer and Mike Terito).

ADJOURNED: 10:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

DIANE TERITO

Secretary

Agendas and minutes index
Agua Dulce Town Council page
Vanguard News Home page