HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-09-16; Parks & Recreation Commission; 996-6; Agua Hedionda Lagoon FoundationPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL ^ ^ ^f
AB# 996-6
MTG 09-16-96
JDEPT CSD
TITLE: AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON FOUNDATION
(AHLF) REQUEST (INFO)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
If the Commission concurs, direct this issue back to staff for further evaluation and return to the
Commission with additional information.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
On September 9, 1996, staff received a request (Exhibit 1) from AHLF, proposing that the
Commission take action to initiate a full and thorough analysis of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon's
potential to provide recreation activities for the citizens of Carlsbad.
At this time, staff is not prepared to discuss this issue in great detail due to a lack of time to
evaluate all of the items contained within this proposal. However, in a related item, the City
Council, on September 10, 1996, addressed a similar topic during the discussion of Council
Agenda Bill #13,803 (Exhibit 2).
During a recent City Council workshop, staff was directed to prepare a Resolution of Intent to
study existing and future land use along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
Subsequent to that workshop, the Planning Department received a request from AHLF proposing
that the City undertake a comprehensive update of the Local Coastal Plan for the entire lagoon
_area.
After Council discussion of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Study during the September 10, 1996
meeting, the planning staff was directed to return to the Council with more information relating to
the preparation of a detailed report which would include all facets of the lagoon.
In discussion with the Planning staff on September 11, 1996, it was suggested that if the City
Council desires to undertake a more comprehensive review of the entire lagoon area, rather than
a study restricted to the south shore, then the recreational issues addressed in the AHLF
proposal might best be addressed as part of that process.
At this time staff would recommend returning to the Commission at a future date as more
information and clarity as to the scope of the proposed Agua Hedionda Lagoon Study becomes
available. A representative of the AHLF will be present to address the Commission regarding
their proposal.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None at this time.
EXHIBITS:
~*. Letter from AHLF - September 6, 1996
A. City Council Agenda Bill #13,803 - Agua Hedionda Lagoon Study
ACUA HED/ONDA
LAGOON FOUNDATION
Septembers, 1996
Mr. Seth Schulberg, Chairman
Parks and Recreation Commission
Community Services
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, California 92008
Dear Mr. Schulberg:
The Directors of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (AHLF) appreciate the hard work and
deliberations the Parks and Recreation Commission goes through in performing their appointed
task. With that in mind, we respectfully submit the following request for your consideration.
The AHLF asks that your Commission take action to initiate a full and thorough analysis of the
Agua Hedionda Lagoon's potential to provide recreation activities for the citizens of Carlsbad.
Natural water bodies are relatively rare in Southern California, due to this, they are an attraction
in and of themselves. As one of the few tideland lagoons that can be used for recreation, Agua
Hedionda should provide a unique and valuable recreational experience for Carlsbad citizens and
the guests that come to our City.
The City of Carlsbad has had the lease on the lagoon's waters for recreation purposes for many
years. The City's Parks and Recreation Element to the General Plan defines objectives for the use
and management of the lagoon in providing recreation activities to its citizens. One of these
objectives is that these activities be self-sustaining in covering the cost of management (patrolling).
As you know, over the past year or so a crises came about when consideration was given to
shutting down the City's management role on the lagoon. This action was narrowly averted with
the decision to raise the fees required for putting a private craft on the water. It is our
understanding that the fee increase has made an improvement in maintaining a self-sustaining
recreation management program, but that the use of the lagoon's waters has declined.
This problem of maintaining a self-sustaining management program on a unique and useable
tideland lagoon is puzzling to the foundation. We believe that it is appropriate at this point in the
City's growth for a thorough study/analysis of the current program of recreational uses, lagoon
access and management practices be made to see if the current program for recreation is correctly
A California Nonprofit Corporation Sine* March
P.O. Box 400-1 Carlsbad, CA 92018 EXHIBIT 1
OO
Mr. Seth Schulberg
September 6, 1996
Page 2
suited to the lagoon's physical characteristics, weather conditions and the evolving recreational
needs and desires of the Carlsbad citizens. We believe that a thorough analysis, of the existing
lagoon and the lagoon after the imminent full dredging, should be initiated now so the conclusions
from the analysis are in the hands of your commission as it is asked to make further decisions
regarding recreation in the near future.
The AHLF feels this analysis should include the following subjects:
1. Review of the current recreation uses now allowed on the lagoon.
2. The potential for other or alternative uses not currently allowed.
3. The physical characteristics of the three areas of the lagoon in their current condition and
as they will be when dredged.
4. The climatic conditions that may effect the types of recreation uses the lagoon can provide.
5. A survey of the citizens' recreation needs and desires in Carlsbad and of tourist that stay
in town.
6. The ecology of both the marine ecosystem and surrounding terrestrial environment.
7. The relationship of existing and potential recreation activities to the lagoon's other
functions.
8. A financial analysis of forms of recreation, private versus public operation; revenue
generation vs. public fees to cover operation cost.
We expect that the results of this analysis will uncover untapped potential and provide information
that will produce adjustments or alter the programming of recreation on and around the lagoon in
the future. If we are correct, the role Agua Hedionda plays in the system of venues for recreation
with in the City may be upgraded.
Currently, the City includes Agua Hedionda in the tabulation of parklands, but classifies it the
same as Batiquitos Lagoon. Certainly, both lagoons are great resources for varying types of
recreation (when both passive and active recreation is considered), but when each lagoon's full
recreation value is considered the two are quite different.
The total parkland in the City's northwest quadrant is largely made up of many relatively small
areas and the open space of Hosp Grove. Its active recreation venues are made up of a few
important facilities (pool and tennis) and school yards, but the quadrant does not have a
Mr. Seth Schulberg
September 6, 1996
Page 3
community park size area for recreation. We feel that Agua Hedionda may be able to play a more
important role in providing a venue as a larger area that can provide a wide menu of recreation
activities.
Adjacent to Agua Hedionda Lagoon, is Macario Canyon which is planned to become Veterans
Park in the future. This park site has had numerous new influences put on it over the past few
years, most of which will reduce the useable area for active-type recreation enjoyable to a high
percentage of people. Because of these new influences, the master plan for Veterans Park is
outdated and in need of review. Our request, for an analysis of the lagoon's recreation value
could be done in conjunction with the Master Plan update for Veterans Park. The past Master
Plans for the park have always recognized the lagoon's edge and to a limited degree, its potential
for recreation. A full and thorough analysis of the lagoon's three basins may find reasons to tie
the lagoon and canyon together as a more comprehensive system of recreation activities.
Again, we appreciate your consideration of our foundation's request for action. Over the past
years, the Parks and Recreation Commission has done a fine job in helping to guide the City's
efforts in providing a high quality system of parks and recreation programs that add greatly to the
quality of life in Carlsbad.
We are confident that you will agree with our position that this lagoon is a unique resource for
recreation. A community amenity that deserves further considerations and analysis to determine
more clearly how it can benefit a greater portion of all who live or visit Carlsbad.
The AHLF Board Members will be glade to discuss our position with your Commissioners at your
convenience.
Sincerely,
AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON FOUNDATION
Robert E. Wilkinson
Board Vice President
REW:vs
cc: Mrs. Ramona Finnila, City of Carlsbad, Council Member
Mrs. Julie Nygaard, City of Carlsbad, Council Member
Mr. Dave Bradstreet, Community Service Director
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, Board of Directors
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DEPT. PLN V^
CITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL
TITLE;
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT Resolution of Intention No. '(& ~-3d 3 directing staff to conduct a land
use study for the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. An alternative would be to
direct staff to initiate a comprehensive review and update of the entire Agua Hedionda
Local Coastal Plan as requested by the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
At a recent City Council workshop, staff was directed to prepare a Resolution of
Intention to study existing and future land use along the south shore of Agua Hedionda
Lagoon. The General Plan currently designates the majority of the south shore for
open space. There are, however, a couple of areas designated for non-open space
uses. The intended purpose of the study was to determine if the entire south shore
should be designated for open space uses only. Attached is the Resolution of Intention
to initiate the study. Staff estimates that it will take approximately six months to
complete the study.
Subsequent to the workshop, the City received a letter from the Agua Hedionda
Lagoon foundation requesting that the City undertake a comprehensive update of the
Local Coastal Plan for the entire lagoon area. A copy of the letter is attached. The
Foundation believes that the entire Plan needs to be studied because it hasn't been
reviewed since its adoption in 1982.
The Agua Hedionda Coastal Plan was originally prepared by the City and submitted to
the Coastal Commission in 1977. The Plan was returned to the City by the Coastal
Commission with 32 issue areas requiring modifications before the Commission would
approve it. The City Council then appointed a Negotiating Committee to address the
32 issue areas. After a couple of years of negotiations, the issues were addressed and
the Plan was revised and resubmitted to the Coastal Commission. The Plan was finally
adopted in 1982 or 5 years after it was initially prepared.
At this point in time, staff needs direction from the City Council on whether the Council
wishes to have staff do a focused land use study for the south shore of Agua Hedionda
Lagoon as originally discussed by the Council at its workshop, and contained in the
attached Resolution of Intention, or whether the Council wants the study expanded to
include a comprehensive review and update of the entire Agua Hedionda Local Coastal
Plan (LCP). The major differences with the expanded study area are as follows. First,
the amount of time to complete the task would be increased significantly
(approximately/19 to 23 months). Staff has prepared a preliminary work plan/timeline
for a comprehensive study of the LCP which is attached. Second, the number and
complexity'of topics/issues which will need to be addres
/ 3e _7.XHIBIT 2
PAGE 2 OF AGENDA BILL NO.
significantly as evidenced by the amount of time it took to originally negotiate
acceptance of the LCP. Finally, because of the complexity of some of the
environmental topics with the expanded study, the City may need the services of some
specialized consultants.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The study for the land on the south shore of the lagoon, will be completed in-house by
City staff. Therefore, only the cost of staff time to complete the study would be
required. If the Council directs staff to review the entire Agua Hedionda Local Coastal
Plan area, some consultant assistance may be required. Staff estimates consultant
costs could range from the $25,000 to $50,000 and would have to be transferred from
the Council's contingency account.
EXHIBITS:
1 . Resolution of Intention No.
2. Correspondence from Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, dated March 18,
1996.
3. Draft Work Plan - Agua Hedionda LCP Review.
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RESOLUTION OF INTENTION NO. 96-303
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA DECLARING THE INTENTION
TO STUDY THE LAND USES PERMITTED BY THE CITY'S
GENERAL PLAN, COASTAL PLAN AND ZONING MAP
ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE OF AGUA HEDIONDA
LAGOON
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad General Plan, Agua Hedionda Coastal Plan and
the City's Zoning Map currently designates most of the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon
for open space uses; and
WHEREAS, there are a couple of areas as shown on the attached map labeled
Exhibit "A" which are designated for non-open space uses; and
WHEREAS, the Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan was originally prepared by the
City in 1977 and approved by the Coastal Commission in 1982; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to study the appropriateness of non-open
space uses on the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and wishes to consider if the entire
south shore should be designated for open space on the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan and
Zoning Map.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad, California as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That it is the intention of the City Council to consider amending the General Plan,
the Local Coastal Plan and the Zoning Map to designate the entire area on the
south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon to open space.
3. That the City Council directs the Planning Director to conduct the necessary
studies, notices, and reports and bring this matter without undue delay before the
Planning Commission for public hearing and recommendation to the City
Council.
1 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of
2 the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the day of 1996
by the following vote, to wit:
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AYES:
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NOES:
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ABSENT:
g ABSTAINED:
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CLAUDE A. LEWIS, Mayor
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ATTEST:
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! 5 ALETHA L. RAUTENKRANZ, City Clerk
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l\28 -2-
EXHIBIT "A"
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\EXHBIT 2
ACLM
UGOOM FOUNDATION
March 18, 1996
Mr. Michael Holzmilter
Planning Director
Community Development
2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carbbad, California 92009-1576
SUBJECT: AOUA HEDIONDA SPECIFIC PLAN/LCP
Dear Michael: ...-••••..-. •..••.._•. ••••'-...• • •• .
On behalf of our foundation's. Board of Directors, I respectfully petition your department to
initiate a full review and updating of the specific planUocal coastal plan for Ac Agua Hedionda
area. It is our undemanding that mis document was to be reviewed and updated every five
yean, but the specific plan that is supposed to guide the development and use of the lagoon area,
has gone unchanged since its original approval in 1982. The existing plan solicited citizen input
in the late 1970'j almost 20 years ago and is now outdated with today's emerging conditions in
this area of
Our foundation feels that this lagoon and its environs are a tremendous resource and amenity that
is rare in the Southern California area. It is a resource and amenity that is currently
underutilized, inadequately managed, and ignored .by those who should provide the
comprehensive tools for its development and use. If the lagoon area is planned and managed
correctly, it can become the focus for numerous community activities and remain an important
terrestrial and aquatic habitat The area's transformation from an underutilized resource to a full
multi-use water-oriented amenity will require a comprehensive and creative planning document
that will help guide the area to meet die eonent and future needs and desires of the community.
Surrounding land uses, access, circulation, operation of water activities, utility management,
habitat conservation, public, awareness and education are all issues in need of a fresh review and
analysis. The plan must be brought into concert with the other policies and plans the City and
other jurisdictions have pot in place in recent years or currently have in. study.
The Foundation has gathered input and ideas from the general public and is currently studying
these ideas to see how the lagoon area can best meet the needs and desires of the community.
A CjJfomin Nooproft Corpondon Since Mtrefa 1990
P.O. Box 4004 CiAUd, CA 92018
Mr. Michael Holzmilier
March 18, 1996
Page 2
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process «xcd?* "5"*^ -We "^ y°U to *««* *•«- w «uuw your oepaitmeat to move forward on this important effort
Sincerely,
Agiut Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
Kobert E. Willdnson
Vice President
REW:vs.faolz.001
cc: Council Member Raraona Fmnila
Council Member Julie Nygaard
Mr. Robert Green
Board Members and Advisors
EXHIBIT:
^AGUA HEDIONDA LOCAL COASTAL PLAN REVIEW
PRELIMINARY DRAFT WORK PLAN
WORK
PHASE
WORK TASK TIME TO
COMPLETE
Phase 1 1.
Phase II
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Phase III 9.
Plan and identify areas/subjectsReview existing
needing update.
Meet with interest groups (Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Foundation, SDG&E, Coastal Commission staff,
property owner groups, etc.) to identify concerns/issues.
Prepare list of issues and subjects to update.
Status Report to City Council identifying issues and
scope of review.
If necessary, hire consultants*
Prepare draft of Updated Plan
Meet with interest groups to review Draft Plan
Status Report to City Council identifying outstanding
issues/concerns.
Prepare environmental documents
10. Prepare staff report to Planning Commission
11. Scheduling and noticing for Planning Commission
12. Scheduling and noticing for City Council
13. Coastal Commission review and processing
1 month
2 months
1 month
1 month
*
4 months
2 months
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
3 months
TOTAL TIME 19 months
If consultants are needed, Request for proposals need
to be prepared processed and approved by City Council
* 4 months
TOTAL TIME 23 months
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