Property owners in the City voted overwhelmingly this year to support a new Open Space Preservation District. A total of 9,386 ballots representing $409,974 in weighted assessment or 69 percent were in favor, while a total of 5,568 ballots representing $182,672 in weighted assessment or 31 percent were not in favor.
The Open Space Preservation District needed a simple majority of assessment to pass, which was received. Ballots were mailed to property owners in the City in May and were due back on July 10, 2007.
A special City Council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 17th, at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., first floor, at which time the Santa Clarita City Council will adopt a resolution of formation for the new District.
“I am very pleased that our City property owners supported the formation of this important new District. Preserving open space in and around our City is a tremendous priority for the community and for our City Council; and the formation of the new Open Space District will enable us to move forward,” commented Councilmember Laurene Weste who also spearheaded the citizen committee “Save Open Space,” in supporting the new Open Space and Preservation District.
At the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on August 28, 2007, at 6:00 p.m., City staff will bring forth an agenda item with a suggested process and timeline for the City Council to consider. This will include a suggested recruitment and selection process for the Financial Accountability and Audit Panel for the new District.
“The creation of this District and the purchase of lands will greatly assist our City in helping to preserve natural lands in and around the City and finish our greenbelt buffer,” explained Mayor Marsha McLean.
The City Council asked property owners in the City to vote on a new Open Space Preservation District to help increase the amount of preserved open space in and around the Santa Clarita Valley. Property owners within the City were mailed a special ballot, asking them to vote on whether or not the City should form this new District.
For the first year, the cost to single family homeowners will be $25; condominium and townhouse owners will pay slightly less and those who own larger, non residential parcels will pay more. In future years, it can increase by no more than $1 per year and only if approved by the City Council, following a public hearing. This District will allow the City to purchase land to be held in perpetuity.
The membership of the soon-to-be-established Financial Accountability and Audit Panel will be comprised of five members. Each City Councilmember will nominate one member. The City Council will be selecting residents from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, education, and interest areas. This will help to insure that a broad spectrum of thoughts, ideas and recommendations are brought forth. Additionally, no panel member shall have a conflict of interest as provided by the Political Reform Act and the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
