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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-19; Parks & Recreation Commission; 597-4; Agua Hedionda Lagoon FoundationPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL 1AB# 597-4 MTG 05-19-97 OEPT CSD TITLE: AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON FOUNDATION REQUEST/RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT PLAN RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accept and file staff report. ITEM EXPLANATION: TA'C£V-A <s~ V^ 06^ On May 13, 1997 City Council considered an item related to the issue of a potential Recreational Management Plan for the Agua Hedionda Lagoon (AHL). In association with this issue, the Parks and Recreation Commission received a request from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation in September of 1996. The Foundation's request was for the Commission to initiate a full and thorough analysis of the Lagoon's potential to provide Recreation activities for the citizens of Carlsbad. The Commission had deferred any action on this request pending resolution to a number of issues before the Council. Specifically those issues were, 1) A Resolution of Intention to study the South Shore of the AHL, and 2) Direction for staff to return to the Council with information on the types of issues which would be addressed as part of a Recreational Management Plan for AHL. Staff presented the attached (Exhibit 1 ), City Council Agenda Bill for action by the Council on May 13, 1997. After staff presentation, Council discussion and public comment, the Council •ecommended (3-2) to accept the report but take no further action pending completion of the AHL South Shore study and dredging operations on the inner lagoon. Staff will provide a verbal update on this issue at the Commission meeting. EXHIBITS: 1. City Council AB# 14, 167 2. PRCAB# 996-6 & #197-5 16 CITY OF CARLSBAD — AGENDA BILL MTG..5/13/97 PERT. CSD TITLE: VACUA HEDIONDA LAGOON/RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT PLAN DEPT. HD CITY A CITY MGR zo o oz3 Oo RECOMMENDED ACTION: If Council concurs with initiating a Recreational Management Plan for Agua Hedionda Lagoon, your action would be to direct the issue to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a recommendation on the scope of subject matter and for financing alternatives to fund the study. ITEM EXPLANATION : On January 14, 1997, the Council adopted Resolution of Intention (ROI) No. 97-17, authorizing staff to study the land uses permitted by the City's General Plan, Coastal Plan and Zoning Map along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon (AHL). In addition, Council directed staff to return with a report outlining the types of issues which would be addressed as part of a Recreational Management Plan Study for AHL. Prior to Council action on the ROI to study the south shore, the Parks and Recreation Commission received a request (Exhibit 1) from the Agua Hedionda L Lagoon Foundation (AHLF) to initiate a full and thorough analysis of the lagoon's PTA,-fST j potential to provide recreation activities for the citizens of Carlsbad. The p-rulu ^ Commission had deferred any action on this request pending a resolution to the Co^- south shore study area and more recently, because of council's direction for staff to report back on a Recreation Management Plan. Owned by SDG&E, the AHL consists of three (3) distinct bodies of water, the outer, middle and inner lagoon. In addition to the City, several other private entities also operate within the boundaries of the lagoon including, public/private boat launching facilities (inner), YMCA camp (middle), Hubbs Sea World Hatchery and an Aquaculture Enterprise (outer). The City's current recreational program on the lagoon exists as the result of a year ri \r\pl- i to year lease with SDG&E for the waters of the inner lagoon only. The lease is \ Up-MW? maintained by the City to provide the general public with the opportunity to utilize the r> f~r resource area for active and passive use including boating and other aquatic vessel operation. The City protects its interest by providing a patrol program to insure the safe recreational operation of the inner lagoon. In December 1994, the City concluded its latest study regarding the lagoon operation. As a result of committee proceedings, including significant public involvement, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended to the City Council that actions be taken to insure that the traditional recreation on the AHL continue. Consequently, the Council approved continuing the annual lease with SDG&E for the waters of the inner lagoon, authorized funding for the patrol program and continues to assume the liability for program operation. Accordingly, the City provides for the ongoing active and passive use of the inner lagoon as it has existed for many years and allows for the _ safe recreational use of this resource area. 17 x LU SCOPING CONSIDERATIONS If the City is to proceed with a Recreational Management Plan for AHL, staff believes there are fundamental issues which need to be clearly resolved and/or defined in preparation of, or to be included as part of a management plan. Those issues are: • Dredging - If, when, and by whom, the inner lagoon will be dredged - Identification of, and commitments from those participants - At what cost - Available funding sources • Managing entities and public use availability / access to each of the lagoons three water bodies • The relationship of Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan to AHL / updating of Master Plan • Public use, private interests and commercial ventures • Environmental concerns relative to the AHL • Opportunities assessment • Constraints assessment The AHLF in it's request to the Commission stated that they "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 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 Cv <\ condition and as they will be when dredged. \ 'v?V^ 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 tourists who 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. .. oJLo 8. A financial analysis of forms of recreation, private versus public operation; revenue generation vs. Public fees to cover operation costs. Additionally, with respect to the South Shore Study, staff believes that if an AHL Recreational Management Plan is to proceed, there may well be overlapping interests which could influence the future uses occurring within each of the respective study areas. With that in mind, should Council direct the management plan go forward, it may be beneficial to conduct a joint public participation workshop to solicit input from all interested parties. A joint meeting with interested parties to the individual study areas (South Shore and AHL Recreational Management Plan) would insure that efforts are being addressed to avoid the potential for later conflicts in recommendations arising as a result of the separate planning areas. A joint workshop would also avoid duplication of effort. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION i/v j[ ,v> S$^' w'svJt Since the later 1950's, active and passive boating has been the principle recreation Cjt/s/C /' on the inner AHL. In more recent years, the use of personal water craft has also developed as a primary form of recreation. In 1994, City Council endorsed a recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission to continue the traditional recreation program on the lagoon. Consequently, the City continues to lease the jo inner waters of the AHL from SDG&E to provide for the safe active and passive '- ' aquatic vessel recreation operation. To further explore the recreation potential of AHL, the issues identified within the scoping considerations listed above (including those requested by AHLF) are quite extensive and would require significant funding for completion of a management plan. The City of Carlsbad is only one of many entities that have an operational interest in this resource area and staff believes the City should not assume sole responsibility for its funding. Therefore, if Council decides to initiate a recreational management plan, staff would suggest that the plan develop as a result of contributive efforts and financial assistance from other parties who also have a vested interest in the operation of the lagoon. Those interests would include, but would not be limited to, SDG&E, AHLF, YMCA, Hubbs Sea World, City of Carlsbad California Department of Boating and Waterways, Snug Harbor, Bristol Cove HOA. Carlsbad Boat Club, Hillman Properties, Aquaculture Farms, etc. _r To the extent that the City only has a lease agreement to manage the inner lagoon on a year to year basis and other private and non profit entities (some of whom have access to grant funding) also have an interest in the lagoons' current and future operation, the Council may wish to pursue joint financing with other entities if a management plan study is to proceed. If Council concurs with the necessity for a recreational management plan staff recommends the issue be referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a recommendation on the scope of subject matter to be studied and for financing alternatives to fund the study. Q 19 FISCAL IMPACT: A Recreational Management Plan which incorporates the in-depth requests of the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation would be considered a multidisciplinary study, and could require the engagement of several subcontracting consultants including financial analysts, environmental analysts and design professionals. Based upon previous experience in providing similar services, a study of this magnitude could cost up to $200.000. A focused study which addresses the more fundamental issues outlined by staff is estimated to cost considerably less. The estimated cost of a focused study should not exceed $50,000, excluding a revised master plan for Veteran's Memorial Park. EXHIBITS: 1. Letter dated September 5, 1996 to Parks & Recreation Commission Chairperson from Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. ACLM HED/O.VDA « r^ September 5, 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 Hement 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 m 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 NoaproSt Corporation Since Much P.O. Box 4004 Ctrfsbad, CA 92018 EXHIBIT 1 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 23 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL AB# MTG DEPT 197-5 01-20-97 CSD TITLE: AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON FOUNDATION REQUEST (ACTION) ~* RECOMMENDED ACTION: Consider the action of the City Council regarding the Agua Hedionda Lagoon (AHL) Resolution Of Intention and take appropriate action regarding AHL Foundation's request. Consider appointing a Commission liaison to attend future AHL workshops. ITEM EXPLANATION: At the September meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission considered a request of the AHL Foundation which asked the Commission to initiate a full and thorough analysis of the Agua Hedionda Lagoons' potential to provide recreation activities for the citizens of Carlsbad. At that time, the City Council was considering an item relating to a Resolution Of Intention to study land uses on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. During that council item presentation, the AHL Foundation requested the council to expand the study area to include the entire lagoon area and to provide a more comprehensive study which could also include issues related to the lagoons future recreation potential. Action by the council that evening was to continue the Resolution of Intention for further staff analysis of the request to expand the entire study area. Consequently, in response to AHL Foundations request of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Commission supported staffs recommendation to defer the issue pending council action relative to the south shore study. As of the preparation of this agenda bill, the City Council is scheduled to address the item on January 14, 1997. Staff will provide an update on Council action regarding the study area as that action may effect the Commission's decision regarding the request to initiate a full and thorough analysis of the lagoons future recreation potential. FISCAL IMPACT: Depending upon the scope of any future study, funding may be required to provide that effort. No funds have been budgeted by this Commission or by the Community Services Department to perform this proposed study. EXHIBITS: 1. PRC Agenda Bill #996-6 Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation request. 2. City Council Agenda Bill #13,995 - Agua Hedionda Lagoon Resolution of Intention. O/l PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL ^*>8 O2> ^Uf AB~# 996-6 MTG 09-16-96 OEPT 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. 4ft 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 City Council Agenda Bill #13,803 - Agua Hedionda Lagoon Study EXHIBIT 1