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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWSA - SA RIVER TASK GROUP REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION ~ ~ CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: NOVEMBER 15, 2004 TITLE: ESTABLISHING A SANTA ANA RIVER TASK FORCE APPROVED D As Recommended D As Amended D Ordinance on 151 Reading D Ordinance on 2nd Reading D Implementing Resolution D Set Public Hearing For V tl:\..'17 /i/ ,(/ // 1)/2/ . / /i / . (.// /it.~ ~/ J( t'~ CITY MANAGER CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER RECOMMENDED ACTION Approve the possibility recreational formation of a Santa Ana River of restoring the natural habitat opportunities at the river. Task Force environment to study the and providing DISCUSSION On September 8, 2004 the Wildlands Conservancy presented to the Park Development/Joint Use City Council Committee the concept of restoring the Santa Ana River to a natural habitat environment. The Conservancy staff indicated the City of Riverside had established a Blue Ribbon Committee that studied the natural habitat restoration at the river's upper reaches. The committee was made up of 25 individuals that met four times in a three to four month period to prepare a plan and report for the upper reaches of the Santa Ana River. The Cities of Colton, San Bernardino and Redlands are currently establishing a similar committee to prepare a plan and report for their respective cities. Once plans are established, the Wildlands Conservancy assists in securing funding through donations, grants and other sources to restore the natural habitat environment and recreational opportunities along the Santa Ana River. On October 5, 2004 the Park Development/Joint Use City Council Committee recommended a similar group be formed to study the Santa Ana River through the City of Santa Ana and prepare a plan for re-establishing the natural habitat environment and recreational opportunities around the river. This Task Force will consist of approximately 25 individuals with representation from the County of Orange, Santa Ana Unified School District, Garden Grove Unified School District, Orange County Flood Control District, Water Quality Control Board, Fish & Game, Army Corps of Engineers, Presidents of Neighborhood Association adj acent to the river, WSA-1 Establishing a Santa Ana River Task Force November 15, 2004 Page 2 private companies with interest in the river development, Planning and Recreation & Park Commissions, and City staff. Once the 25 individuals are identified and their availability for participation is confirmed, appointment to the Santa Ana River Task Force will be approved at a future City Council meeting. The Task Force will prepare a plan and report on the feasibility of restoring the Santa Ana River, along with potential watershed and recreational linkages back to a natural habitat environment without diminishing flood protection for its residents. The Wildlands Conservancy has partnered with the City of Santa Ana in the past by providing generous support to the Santiago Creek restoration and environmental programs. The report will be presented to the Park Development/Joint Use City Council Committee, the Board of Parks and Recreation, the Planning Commission and the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. ~~~ Gerardo Mouet Executive Dire tor Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency WSA-2