County of Sonoma Agenda Item Summary Report

Transcription

1 Revision No County of Sonoma Agenda Item Summary Report Agenda Item Number: 31j (This Section for use by Clerk of the Board Only.) Clerk of the Board 575 Administration Drive Santa Rosa, CA To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Board Agenda Date: May 9, 2017 Vote Requirement: Majority Department or Agency Name(s): Regional Parks Staff Name and Phone Number: Jim Piercy (707) Title: Regional Parks Fee Adjustments Recommended Actions: Supervisorial District(s): Adopt a resolution of the Board of Supervisors authorizing fee adjustments for Film and Photography Permits, Kenwood Gazebo and Gualala Visitors Center Use, Boat Launch Fee, and Water Park Adult Admission. There is one new fee, a Tolay Fall Festival Vendor fee, and a policy change to camping reservations. Fee changes will become effective on July 1, Adopt a resolution of the Board of Supervisors authorizing adjustments in hourly staff billing rates applicable to recover the reasonable costs of providing services such as repairs, set-up and staffing for events, special use permits, and for maintenance and grounds keeping services effective July 1, Executive Summary: Sonoma County Regional Parks, which is celebrating its 50 th anniversary in 2017, includes more than 11,000 acres across 56 parks, trails, and beaches, and hosts more than 5 million visitors annually. Fees paid by park visitors provide more than 40% of the Regional Parks operating budget and enable it to operate and maintain its expanding system of parks for residents and visitors. Regional Parks proposes changes to its fees to recover the reasonable costs for maintaining parks for public use, for providing park services, and for consistency with prior fee adjustments. Details are included in the Fee Package Cover Sheet and Fee Package Detail attached to the Resolutions accompanying this Agenda Report and summarized here. A market analysis of fees charged by other similar agencies was completed in Winter 2017 and is included as Attachment B. Discussion: Changes to Current Fees and Rates: Regional Parks proposes changes to fees for Photo and Film Permits and Special Use Permits for the Kenwood Gazebo and the Gualala Visitors Center to help offset projected staffing cost increases. Photo and Film Permits will increase by 3% are projected to generate an additional $20 in revenue in FY Kenwood Gazebo and the Gualala Visitors Center fees will increase by 4% and are projected to generate All

2 Revision No an additional $14 in revenue in FY These fees are based on required staff time, and are adjusted annually to match actual staffing costs. Regional Parks proposes a reduction in the Boat Launch Fee. The Boat Launch Fee was a new fee for FY16-17 and received considerable negative feedback from local recreational boaters. This reduction from $7 to $4 will increase utilization of the Boat Launch and better meet the needs of the recreational fishing community. Regional Park Memberships will also now include Boat Launch usage as part of the membership benefits, which may encourage boaters to become Regional Parks members and more broadly utilize the Parks system. The Water Park was new addition to the Regional Parks system in FY15-16 and was very successful at Spring Lake Park. One piece of equipment was purchased for use at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach and was offered at the Healdsburg Water Carnival. While youth usage exceeded projections on these popular attractions, at both Spring Lake and Healdsburg utilization by adults was lower than projected. Regional Parks proposes a reduction in the Water Park Adult Admission fee to encourage greater participation by parents and other adults. It is expected that increased usage will slightly more than make up for the reduced fee amount, generating a net of about $50 in additional revenue. New Fees: Regional Parks proposes one new fee for Tolay Fall Festival Vendors. Currently Regional Parks has been using a Minor Commercial Activities fee that requires vendors to pay $50 up front and remit 10% of gross revenues back to Regional Parks after the Festival. The new Tolay Fall Festival Vendor fee of $100 will help optimize revenues and operating efficiency for Regional Parks and vendors by eliminating the collection of 10% of gross revenues after the event. These changes also better match fees charged to park users and the impact their activities have on parks and on other park visitors. The replacement of the old arrangement with this fee is not expected to have a net impact on revenue. Justification to Changes to Current Fees: The primary purpose of the proposed increases to Regional Park Fees is to maintain core services that provide park users with a safe experience in our parks. The proposed fees also comply with Proposition 26 criteria because the fees reflect the reasonable cost of maintaining the parks for public use and recovering the reasonable costs of the services provided. Fee amounts cover only a portion of the Department s overall costs as the park system receives over $7M per year in support from the General Fund and Transit and Occupancy Taxes. Therefore the proposed increases do not exceed the reasonable cost of maintaining the parks for public use and for providing for these public services. The proposed fees are reasonably allocated since they are applied equally based on use or service provided either to the public at large or to those who buy annual passes, which are available to the public. They are reasonable based on comparisons with similar related services, see attachment C to Resolution 1 of this Agenda Report for tables with comparative information. While partial cost recovery is the key driver necessitating Parks fees, as demonstrated by the decreases in certain fees, Regional Parks seeks to ensure that its fees are not prohibitive to users even at the expense of cost recovery. Policy Changes: The current reservation cancellation policy results in the forfeiture of the fee for the first night s camping. This policy was implemented to prevent visitors from locking up multiple camp sites with

3 Revision No reservations then cancelling all but one site reservation at the last minute. Regional Parks proposes changing the policy to a forfeiture of the first night s camping fee when a reservation is cancelled less than 10 days prior to the arrival date. This change will provide a benefit to campers who need to change their plans and it will still provide adequate time to allow other campers to reserve that space. Changes to Staff Charges: Regional Parks requests Board approval of updates to the rates for Staff Charges to obtain full reimbursement for special events that require extra staffing, staff costs for the repair of damage caused by special events, set up of specialized equipment by County staff, and staff costs for maintenance and grounds services. The Department has established these rates based on the budgeted cost of salaries and benefits along with administrative overhead associated with the positions. Summary of Expected Results: With revenue from these fee increases the Department expects to keep all Regional Parks open with a satisfactory level of maintenance and will remain in safe and good condition. Prior Board Actions: Regional Parks Fee Package Strategic Plan Alignment Goal 2: Economic and Environmental Stewardship Proposed new fees and fee increases will help recover the cost of providing services at Regional Parks and will contribute to the maintenance of safe facilities for the public to enjoy.

4 Revision No Fiscal Summary Expenditures Funding Sources FY Adopted FY Projected Budgeted Expenses ($14,813) Additional Appropriation Requested Total Expenditures ($14,813) FY Projected General Fund/WA GF State/Federal Fees/Other ($14,813) Use of Fund Balance Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts: Contingencies Total Sources ($14,813) Proposed fee increases for certain services will help offset the costs of providing these services, while others are being lowered based on policy considerations and to encourage utilization of services. Fees will change on July 1, 2017 to align with the start of the fiscal year. Changes to fees are expected to decrease FY17-18 revenues by $14,813. Position Title (Payroll Classification) Staffing Impacts Monthly Salary Range (A I Step) Additions (Number) Deletions (Number) Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required): Attachments: Concurrent Resolution 1 Fee Adjustments Concurrent Resolution 2 Staff Charges Regional Parks Fee Package Cover Sheet Attachment A, Regional Parks Fee and Revenue Summary Staff Charges Attachment B, FY16-17 Regional Parks Comparison with Similar Agencies

5 Related Items On File with the Clerk of the Board: Revision No

6 County of Sonoma State of California Date: May 9, 2017 Item Number: Resolution Number: 4/5 Vote Required Resolution Of The Board Of Supervisors Of The County Of Sonoma, State Of California, Whereas, the County of Sonoma owns and operates more than fifty Regional Parks and Regional Trails; and Whereas, pursuant to California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e)(4), and Sonoma County Code section 20-24, the County of Sonoma may charge fees to for the entrance and use of County parks, and to recover the reasonable cost of service provided to the fee payor for maintaining the parks and providing government services; Whereas, in fiscal year the Regional Parks Department generated $5.2M in revenues and $12.2M in expenditures with a General Fund subsidy of $4.7M and Transit and Occupancy Tax of $2.3M to operate and maintain the County s park system, excluding the Marinas and Spring Lake Park; and Whereas, the fee revenue generated for the provision of these services does not fully recover the cost to provide those services to the fee payors, however, the fee revenue offsets expenses incurred in the operation and maintenance of the County s park system; and Whereas, a comparison of Regional Parks revenue, expenditures, and the General Fund subsidy in the last fiscal year indicates that the additional revenues to be collected from the adjusted fees will be less than the cost to the County of funding the Regional Parks programs; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that to recover the reasonable cost of providing certain parks services, it is necessary to increase certain fees and establish certain new fees as set forth below. Be It Further Resolved based on information presented to this Board, this Board finds that the proposed fees comply with all legal requirements, including Art. XIII C of the California Constitution.

7 Resolution #1 Date: Page 2 Be It Further Resolved that in all other respects, previously established fees for the Regional Parks Department not modified by this resolution shall remain in full force and effect. Be It Further Resolved that if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this resolution Be It Further Resolved that pursuant to Section of the Code of the County of Sonoma, adjustments to Still Photo Permits, Motion Picture Permits,, Kenwood Gazebo Permit, Gualala Visitor s Center Permit, Boat Launch, Water Park Adult Admission, and Tolay Fall Festival Vendor fees, as identified in the Fee Package Cover Sheet, and an update to the camp reservation cancellation policy as identified in the Summary are hereby authorized to become effective on July 1, 2017, and shall supersede rates and policies presently in effect, and shall be incorporated into the schedule of all rates and fees charged for the use of Sonoma County s park facilities. Be It Further Resolved that the Director of Regional Parks is hereby authorized and directed to take such steps as necessary to implement and charge the adjusted fees adopted herein. Supervisors: Gorin: Rabbitt: Gore: Hopkins: Zane: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain: So Ordered.

8 County of Sonoma State of California Date: May 9, 2017 Item Number: Resolution Number: 4/5 Vote Required Resolution Of The Board Of Supervisors Of The County Of Sonoma, State Of California, Adjusting Staff Charges For Equipment, Repair Of Damage, Setup For Events, And Staff Hourly Costs For Maintenance, Grounds Services, Park Operations, Administration, Planners, Building Workers, And General Services Mechanics And Painters To Recover The Reasonable Cost Of Providing These Services. Whereas, the County of Sonoma operates and stewards more than fifty four Regional Parks, trails, and beaches; and Whereas, it is in the interest of the County to operate or oversee operations of Regional Parks and the Occidental Community Center to respond to community cultural and recreational needs; and Whereas, it is in the best interests of the County of Sonoma and the general public to maintain and operate said facilities at a standard of care that provides for the welfare, safety, and enjoyment of park visitors; and Whereas, staff charges have been established by the County to offset operations, maintenance, administration, and planning costs and to recover the reasonable cost of providing these services; and Whereas, imposition of staff charges will provide and alternative revenue source so that the General Fund does not have to be used to pay for these services; and Whereas, the Director of Regional Parks has recommended that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma adopt adjustments to staff charges for equipment, repair of damage, setup for events and staff hourly costs for maintenance, grounds services, park operations, administration, planning, building workers, and General Services mechanics and painters as identified in Attachment A to the Agenda Report accompanying this Resolution ( Fee and Revenue Summary Chart, Staff Charges ). Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that to recover the reasonable cost of providing certain park services, it is necessary to increase certain fees and establish new fees as set forth

9 Resolution #2 Date: Page 2 below. Be It Further Resolved that staff charges shall be adjusted as specified under Attachment A to become effective July 1, 2017, and that the Director of Regional Parks is hereby authorized and directed to take such steps as necessary to implement and charge the rates adopted herein. Be It Further Resolved that the Director of Regional Parks is hereby authorized and directed to take such steps as necessary to implement and charge the adjusted rates and new fees adopted herein. Supervisors: Gorin: Rabbitt: Gore: Hopkins: Zane: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain: So Ordered.

10 Department: Regional Parks Fee Hearing: May 9, 2017 Spring, 2017 Requirement to Adjust Fee Anticipated Proposed Additional Amount Prior Actual Cost of Reference (Resolution or FY Units, Current Fee Proposed Change in Effective Revenue Last Date Fee to Last Providing Number Fee Description (Short) Legal Basis for Fee* Ordinance) Units FY Amount Fee Amount Fee Date Expected** Changed Change Service 1 Still Photo Fees - up to 5 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 1 1 $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ /26/2016 $ n/a 2 Still Photo Fees - 6 to 8 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ n/a 3 Still Photo Fees - 9 to 15 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ n/a 4 Still Photo Fees - 16 or more vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ n/a 5 Motion Picture Fees - up to 5 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 1 1 $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ /26/2016 $ n/a 6 Motion Picture Fees - 6 to 10 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ n/a 7 Motion Picture Fees - 11 to 15 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ n/a 8 Motion Picture Fees - 16 to 20 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ n/a 9 Motion Picture Fees - 21 to 25 vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ n/a 10 Motion Picture Fees - 25 or more vehicles California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 0 - $ 1, $ 1, % 7/1/2017 $ - 4/26/2016 $ 1, n/a 11 Kenwood Gazebo Special Use Permit California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 6 6 $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ /26/2016 n/a n/a 12 Gualala Visitor's Center Special Use Permit California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 1 1 $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ /26/2016 n/a n/a 13 Boat Launch Fee California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 52 5,100 $ 7.00 $ % 7/1/2017 $ (15,300.00) 5/1/2016 n/a n/a 14 Water Park Adult Admission California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution $ $ % 7/1/2017 $ (100.00) 5/1/2016 n/a n/a 15 Tolay Fall Festival Vendors California Constitution, Art. XIII C, Section 1(e) Resolution 5 5 n/a $ n/a 7/1/2017 $ n/a n/a n/a

11 REGIONAL PARKS FEE AND REVENUE SUMMARY CHART, STAFF CHARGES (effective 07/01/17) ATTACHMENT A FY Projected Revenues Regional Parks Department CURRENT PROPOSED FY RATE RATE RATE RATE FY REVENUE FEE DESCRIPTION BUDGET UNITS Effective Effective DOLLAR PERCENTAGE INCREASE DUE TO OF SERVICE 7/1/2016 7/1/2017 CHANGE CHANGE RATE CHANGE REGIONAL PARKS - Regional Parks (Department-wide) HOURLY RATE ADJUSTMENTS: Staff Charges for facility users or damage Building Mechanic II (General Services) 2 $ $ $ % $22 Lifeguard A 4 $27.31 $30.99 $ % $15 Lifeguard B 8 $29.16 $33.90 $ % $38 Lifeguard C 0 $31.12 $35.92 $ % $0 Lifeguard Supv 0 $36.71 $42.08 $ % $0 Park Aide 5 $29.31 $29.82 $ % $3 Park Ranger Assistant 2 $39.48 $38.99 ($0.49) -1.2% ($1) Park Ranger I 2 $93.76 $96.24 $ % $5 Park Ranger II 0 $ $ $ % $0 Supervising Ranger 0 $ $ $ % $0 Undergrad Intern 0 $27.62 $24.50 ($3.12) -11.3% $0 Park Grounds and Maintenance Worker II 0 $85.01 $90.88 $ % $0 Park Grounds and Maintenance Worker I 0 $36.91 $38.06 $ % $0 Park Maintenance Supervisor 0 $98.93 $ $ % $0 Department Analyst 0 $ $ $ % $0 Planning Technician 0 n/a $81.50 n/a n/a n/a Planning SOA 0 n/a $65.92 n/a n/a n/a Planner II 0 $92.58 $ $ % $0 Senior Park Planner 0 $ $ $ % $0 Program Manager 0 $ $ $ % $0 Right of Way Agent 0 $52.69 $63.69 $ % $0 Planning Manager 0 $ $ $ % $0 Total Revenue: $82 Note: Budget units are estimated staff hours. Does not include all Regional Parks job classes. The same methodology will be used to create billable rates for job classes not included in this document on an as needed basis. Justification: This fee schedule is used by the Department to obtain full reimbursement for: (1) special events that require additional staffing, (2) staff costs for repair of damage caused by special events, (3) setup of specialized equipment by County staff, (4) staff costs for maintenance and grounds services. The proposed fee represents the actual cost of providing staffing and will be used to help offset the cost or providing staffing services associated with special events at County facilities. The Department has established these rates based on the budgeted cost of salary plus benefits for positions with administrative overhead included in the rates. Regional Parks has calculated the rates for all Regional Park staff. Building Mechanic rates are established with General Services and charged through Regional Parks. Rate increases would become effective July 1, 2017.

12 Attachment B: Market Research on Comparable Park Agencies Regular Memberships Average = $78.30, low = $40, high = $150 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Marin County $ Orange County $ Includes both beach and Regional Parks Riverside County $ San Bernardino County $ San Diego County $ San Luis Obispo County $ Regional vehicle pass Sacramento County $ San Mateo County $ Individual Santa Clara County $ East Bay Regional Parks $ Individual Senior Memberships Average = $53.31, low = $0, high = $130 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Marin County $ Orange County $ Includes both beach and Regional Parks San Bernardino County $ San Luis Obispo County $ Riverside County $ Santa Clara County $ Lifetime pass East Bay Regional Parks $ San Diego County $ - Free for seniors Disabled Passes Average = $57.17, low = $10, high = $130 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Marin County $ Orange County $ Riverside County $ San Bernardino County $ San Luis Obispo County $ San Diego County $ - Free for seniors East Bay Regional Parks $ Low Income Passes Average = $13.33, low = $5, high = $25 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ 5.00 Sacramento County $ Santa Clara County $ California State Park $ 5.00 Golden Bear Pass

13 Attachment B: Market Research on Comparable Park Agencies Day Use parking Average = $6.27, low = $3, high = $8 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ 7.00 Marin County $ 5.00 $10 on weekends and holidays Orange County $ 3.00 $5 on weekends, $7 on some holidays Riverside County $ 5.00 Special events & holidays $15 San Bernardino County $ 8.00 $10 on weekends and holidays San Diego County $ 3.00 San Luis Obispo County $ 3.00 $10 at lake parks Sacramento County $ 5.00 $8 on summer weekends San Mateo County $ 6.00 Santa Clara County $ 6.00 Free for disabled visitors East Bay Regional Parks $ 5.00 $3 - $9 depending on park California State Parks $ 8.00 $7 for seniors Reservation Fees Average = $7.57, low $5, high $10 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ 9.50 Riverside County $ 8.00 $15 Group sites and cabins San Bernadino County $ 7.00 San Diego County $ 5.00 San Luis Obispo County $ 9.00 San Mateo County $ Per phone, on-line reservations = $7 East Bay Regional Parks $ 8.00 Casini Ranch $ 6.00 Camping - tent site Average = $26.13, low $20, high $35 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Camping fees vary from $28 to $35 per night East Bay Regional Parks $ Santa Clara County $ Orange County $ Senior/disabled = $15 San Bernadino County $ San Diego County $ San Mateo County $ Mendocino County $ California State Parks $ Camping - RV site Average = $36, low $20, high $45 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ No difference between tent camping and RV camping East Bay Regional Parks $ includes sewer, water & electricity Santa Clara County $ Orange County $ Utilities $6 San Bernardino County $ Partial hook-up = $30 per night San Diego County $ Full hook-up San Mateo County $ Coyote Point only

14 Attachment B: Market Research on Comparable Park Agencies Dump station fee Average = $4.40, low $0, high $15 ( fees for campers) Sonoma County Regional Parks $ 7.00 Santa Clara Regional Parks $ no charge to campers Riverside County Regional Parks $ 8.00 no charge to campers San Bernadino County Regional Parks $ no charge to campers San Mateo County Regional Park $ Camping - hike/bike Average = $13.75, low $5, high $25 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ 5.00 Santa Clara Regional Parks $ East Bay Regional Parks $ per person per night San Mateo County Regional Park $ Salt Point State Park $ 5.00 Group camping Average = $168, low $75, high $250 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Santa Clara Regional Parks $ Capacity 40 people East Bay Regional Parks $ people or less, fees go to $300 for 300 people Orange County Regional Parks $ Average rate, prices range from $120 to $400 San Mateo County Regional Park $ Most group sites are $175 Casini Ranch $ Group picnic (uncovered) Average = $168.83, low $90, high $400 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Up to 99 people Santa Clara Regional Parks $ Up to 49 people = $115, up to 99 people = $143 East Bay Regional Parks $ Up to 35 people = $60, 50 = $80, 75 = $120 Orange County Regional Parks $ San Bernadino County Regional Parks $ Sites with shelter up to $400 San Luis Obispo County $ Up to 50 people = $60 San Mateo County Regional Park $ Up to 20 people = $50, 50 = $75 Group picnic (uncovered) Average = $238.60, low $130, high $315 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Santa Clara Regional Parks $ Up to 149 people = $173 East Bay Regional Parks $ Up to 150 people = $240 Orange County Regional Parks $ Up to 500 people = $500 San Luis Obispo County $ Up to 250 people San Mateo County Regional Park $ people

15 Attachment B: Market Research on Comparable Park Agencies Boat Launch $ 7.00 Average = $7.33, low $3, high $10 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ 7.00 Rates vary depending no. of vehicles and group size Alexander Valley RV Park $ San Mateo County $ 3.00 Santa Clara County $ 9.00 Concessionaire Permits $ 7.00 Average = $133.33, low $50, high $250 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Plus 10% of revenues East Bay Regional Parks $ Plus 10% of revenues Sacramento County $ Vendor booth fee Santa Clara County $ Plus 10% of revenues Photography Average = $133.33, low $50, high $250 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Rates vary depending no. of vehicles and group size Santa Clara Regional Parks $ Per day East Bay Regional Parks $ Good for 12 months San Mateo County $ Per day San Diego County $ Filming Average = $1,058.33, low $925, high $1,250 Sonoma County Regional Parks $ Rates vary depending no. of vehicles and group size Santa Clara Regional Parks $ For profit, $260 non-profit East Bay Regional Parks $ 1, For a full day, half day = $750 or $165 per hour San Mateo County Regional Park $ 1, Per day San Diego County $