COUNTY
OF SONOMA
FULL TEXT OF MEASURE A RESOLUTION
NO. 90-1532 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SONOMA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CONCLUDING THE PUBLIC HEARING, CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION ON THE FORMATION OF THE SONOMA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT, ORDERING NOTICE OF ELECTION, ORDERING CONSOLIDATION OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION WITH THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 6, 1990 REFERRING THE MATTER TO THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 5517.1, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 90-1419, DATED JULY 24. 1990 WHEREAS, this Board did on
July 10, 1990 adopt resolution no. 90-1286 noticing a
public hearing on the question of the formation of the
proposed Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open
Space District; and
IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS BY EXECUTIVE OFFICER This proposition is to form the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District would be a governmental entity, with the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors serving as the governing body of the district. The boundaries of the district would be the same as the boundaries of Sonoma County. The primary purpose for forming the district is to implement state policy (as expressed in Government Code Section 65562) to recognize that open space is "a limited resource which must be conserved whenever possible." This public entity would have the authority to accept donations of real property and purchase real property from willing sellers for the purpose of open space and agncultural preservation. The district would be prohibited from exercising the power of eminent domain to acquire property. If formed, the district would be financed by gifts. grants, special taxes, general obligation bonds, and other revenue sources permitted by law. However, the measure in and of itself would not authorize the levy of any taxes. If formed, it is proposed that the district be financed through a contract with the Sonoma County Open Space Authority. The Open Space Authority has placed a quarter-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot for the purpose of financing open space acquisition. A favorable vote on this issue would result in the formation of the district and set an annual appropriations limit. The vote required to confirm the formation of the district is a majority favorable vote on the question.
ARGUMENT
IN FAVOR OF MEASURE A The Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District has broad-based nonpartisan support. Businesspeople, farmers, environmentalists and elected officials all worked together to put this measure on the ballot. Now it's your turn to take action. We urge you to vote YES. We believe that a majority of Sonoma County residents want a stable agricultural economy, protection of natural habitat, greenbelts separating our cities and soothing scenic vistas. The District would have NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY. It would work with WILLING SELLERS to VOLUNTARILY implement the Agricultural, Open Space and Resource Conservation Elements of the Sonoma County General Plan. We think it important to know that the District can ACCEPT GIFTS of land development rights and specific easements. It can also PURCHASE these real estate interests AT FAIR MARKET VALUE from WILLING SELLERS. Landowners who donate or sell conservation easements (also known as agricultural, scenic and open space easements) voluntarily give up development rights. not ownership. They still own the land and can keep it, sell it or pass it to heirs. It is also important to know that AGRICULTURAL LAND can continue to be used for agricultural purposes. The formation of the District will not cost the taxpayers any money. TO PRESERVE OUR AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE, OUR SCENIC BEAUTY AND OPENNESS, OUR AIR AND WATER QUALITY AND TO PREVENT URBAN SPRAWL, WE ASK EVERYONE TO VOTE YES ON THIS MEASURE. s/ Mitchel Mulas s/ W.C "Bob"
Trowbridge s/ Clint Wilson s/ Bill Carle s/ Dee Swanhuyser NO
ARGUMENT AGAINST THIS MEASURE |
