Title
a. Receive update from Parks Department regarding potential opening of Lake San Antonio for 2016 Summer Camping Season;
b. Approve the continuation of Lake San Antonio remaining closed for public use through at least April 2017;
c. Direct Parks Department to report back to the Board of Supervisors in November 2016 on different options on how to open up the LSA property for public use; and
d. Provide other direction to staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive update from Parks Department regarding potential opening of Lake San Antonio for 2016 Summer Camping Season; and
b. Approve the continuation of Lake San Antonio remaining closed for public use through at least April 2017; and
c. Direct Parks Department to report back to the Board of Supervisors in November 2016 on different options on how to open up the LSA property for public use; and
d. Provide other direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On June 21, 2016, the Board of Supervisors approved a one-time funding request for the Parks Department budget that authorized staff to keep Lake San Antonio in a “caretaker mode” rather than a hard closure. This allows for staff to a) not sell assets, b) continue operating the water and sewer system to stay operating, c) allow for some maintenance work on keeping the existing buildings from deteriorating further, d) allow the North Shore horse area to operate on Friday- Sundays with volunteer labor, and e) allow for special events (Lightning in a Bottle and Tri-California’s Wildflower Triathlon event).
Parks was also asked to see if it was possible to open either South or North Shore for camping during the summer of 2016. As reported in a memo to the BOS Chair Parker by Assistant CAO Nick Chiulos on June 20, 2016, the department was to report back in July 2016.
Staff has discussed options and feels that there are not enough resources at this time to open for this summer. The current staffing at the Lakes is already critically stretched thin. In order to make this possible, we would have to redirect work of some existing staff at Lake Nacimiento and other parks to prepare the South Shore area for use. Staff also calculated that the projected expenses would be approximately $43,000 that would be offset by revenue projections of $10,500. This would require a general fund subsidy of almost $33,000.
It is important to further point out that the County is still in negotiations with all labor units, adding further uncertainty to the financial condition, and ability to further expand programs. Any salary increases that would be retroactive to July 1, 2016 would also have to be allocated. We also need to have the current Management Agreement with The Urban Parks Company extended past July 26 in order to allow them to take on some additional responsibilities
The department has assigned two of our Park Managers talk with staff and other interested parties to explore alternatives for use of the property in the absence of water due to the drought. Also, we are discussing multi-year agreements with Lightning In A Bottle and Wildflower Triathlon.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The CAO’s Office (IGLA), and County Counsel have participated in preparation of this report. The recommendations contained in this report were reviewed and approved by the Parks Ad Hoc Committee on June 30, 2016.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The approval of this report has no impact to the General Fund.
Prepared by: Approved by:
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Jacqueline Zhang Mark Mariscal
Parks Finance Manager Parks Director