Title
Introduce, waive reading, and set for adoption on July 24, 2018, an ordinance amending Subsection 14 of Subsection A of Section 14.12.130 of the Monterey County Code to remove the requirement that any fundraising activity, or religious service or function held in a County Park requires prior authorization by the Board of Supervisors.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors introduce, waive reading, and set for adoption on July 24, 2018, an ordinance amending Subsection 14 of Subsection A of Section 14.12.130 of the Monterey County Code to remove the requirement that any fundraising activity, or religious service or function held in a County Park requires prior authorization by the Board of Supervisors.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The RMA permits numerous events in its County parks, including a significant number of events that include some element of fundraising. In addition, religious organizations request permission to hold picnics and other events in County parks. Currently, Chapter 14.12 of the County Code requires Board approval for fundraising, religious and political events regardless of size. The amount of staff time required to process the Board reports for approval of these events is significant. In addition, the lead-time required to process Board reports in time to meet agenda deadlines means that the public may be prevented from holding an event if the applicant gives too short a notice for an event. As such, staff recommends the proposed ordinance to remove the requirement in Section 14.12.130.A.14 that any fundraising activity, or religious service or function held in a County park requires prior authorization by the Board of Supervisors. If the amendment is approved, such events will be processed and evaluated by the RMA in the same manner as all other special events within County parks. Political activities in County parks would still be brought to the Board for prior authorization.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The proposed change was presented to the Parks Commission as part of amendments being drafted to Chapter 14.12 of the Monterey County Code. The Parks Commission supports the change and agreed for staff to bring this amendment forward ahead of the other Chapter 14.12 amendments. County Counsel has reviewed the ordinance as to form.
FINANCING:
This work has been completed by staff without need or use for outside services. Therefore, there is no impact to the General Fund by receiving this report.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Proposed changes provide updates to the County Code that would help streamline the process for using County Parks to hold fundraising and religious events. Facility use fees are paid to help cover costs for maintaining County parks.
Related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives include:
__ Economic Development
X_ Administration
__ Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: John Snively, Management Analyst (831) 759-6617
Approved by: Shawne Ellerbee, RMA Deputy Director of Administrative Services
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Draft ordinance (redlined)
Attachment 2 - Draft ordinance (clean)
(Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board)