Title
Consider amendments to Article V of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution relating to Parks User Fees adjusting existing and establishing new fees for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective January 11, 2019.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a Resolution amending Article V of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution relating to Parks User Fees for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective January 11, 2019;
b. Authorize the RMA Director to make non-substantive modifications as to formatting only;
c. Provide direction for staff to work with a volunteer citizen committee to identify a process for establishing long-term subsidy such as an assessment district or some type of tax; and
d. Approve the 1st Sunday of each month as a day when there is "no fee" for entry into County day-use parks.
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Master Fee Resolution-Article V Parks User Fees was last updated on November 1, 2014. The Resource Management Agency (RMA) recommends reorganizing the Parks User Fees so that the document is easier to use, resulting in more consistent implementation. In addition, staff recommends updating the fees to help offset increased operations costs to improve sustainability of parks infrastructure.
Proposed amendments generally consist of:
1. Organization. Currently, fees are organized by County park, leading to inconsistencies and duplication of fees, which creates confusion and makes it difficult for staff to implement. For instance, currently, there are ten different day-use vehicle-entry fees on the fee schedule ranging from $5 to $15. Removing the specific park reference will allow staff to apply fees when new parks are added like County-owned open space lands and the Travel Camp in the former Fort Ord area.
2. Content. RMA has identified in the current Article V several park activities for which there are no fees established, e.g., walk-in or bike-in entry for day use. Al...
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