HomeMy WebLinkAbout65B - RPT - RESO OPPOSE PROPOSED PROHIBITING OPEN BURNING ON BEACHESbonfire pit
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REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
MAY 20, 2013
TITLE:
RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT'S PROPOSED
AMENDED RULE 444 PROHIBITING OPEN
BURNING ON BEA S
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
APPROVED
? As Recommended
? As Amended
? Ordinance on 1St Reading
? Ordinance on 2nd Reading
? Implementing Resolution
? Set Public Hearing For_
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
Adopt a Resolution opposing the South Coast Air Quality Management District's proposed
amended Rule 444 prohibiting open burning on beaches.
DISCUSSION
On June 7, 2013, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) will consider an
action to prohibit the public from utilizing beach fire rings for burning activities effective January 1,
2015. The purpose of this action is to mitigate the public exposure to potentially high
concentrations of wood smoke at Orange and Los Angeles county beaches. Under the proposed
change, a city or county could, through formal action, make the prohibition effective sooner than
January 1, 2015.
Millions of visitors come to Orange County beaches each year and many are drawn to the
beaches for the fire ring experience. There are over 700 fire rings located throughout Orange
County beaches. It is estimated that visitors to Orange County beaches generate millions of
dollars in annual revenue to beach cities through parking fees, sales tax from local shopping, and
transient occupancy tax which indirectly benefits all Orange County cities through a strengthened
regional economy.
Recognizing the important role our neighboring beach communities play in providing the
Southern California region with passive and affordable recreational opportunities, Mayor Pulido
and Councilmember Benavides asked staff to prepare a Resolution opposing the SCAQMD
proposed universal ban on beach fire rings in Orange County. The Resolution also includes
language that supports providing local jurisdictions with greater flexibility in solely determining
whether or not to retain or remove its fire rings based on local community interests.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
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RESOLUTION NO.2013-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
OPPOSING THE SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT'S
(SCAQMD) PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 444 PROHIBITING OPEN BURNING ON
BEACHES
WHEREAS, the SCAQMD has proposed an amendment to Rule 444 which, if
approved, will add beaches to the list of prohibited areas for open fire burning; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana recognizes the important role beach
communities play in providing the Southern California region with passive and
affordable recreational opportunity; and
WHEREAS, many Orange County beach cities have provided fire rings on their
respective beaches for decades to allow beach patrons to burn fire wood for aesthetics;
and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendment to Rule 444 prohibiting open fire burning
will eliminate an important recreational opportunity afforded to millions of residents and
visitors which will greatly impact Orange County's local economy as well as visitors and
residents enjoyment of the beach; and
WHEREAS, Orange County beach communities receive millions of visitors
annually, and many visit our beaches for the fire ring experience; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that visitors to Orange County beaches generate
millions of dollars in annual revenue to beach cities through parking fees, sales tax from
local shopping, and transient occupancy tax which indirectly benefits the economy of
Orange County; and
WHEREAS, beach communities within the jurisdiction of the SCAQMD have
different interests that should be considered prior to a complete ban on open burning in
fire rings; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana supports each beach city's interests and
encourages the SCAQMD to allow each jurisdiction to decide what is best for their own
communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana does hereby
resolve as follows:
That the City of Santa Ana opposes the SCAQMD proposed Amended Rule
444 prohibiting open burning on beaches; and
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2. That the City of Santa Ana supports further efforts to find a comprehensive
solution for the issues facing beach communities with fire rings.
ADOPTED this day of May, 2013.
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
AYES:
NOES
Councilmembers
Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, MARIA D. HUIZAR, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached
Resolution No. 2013- to be the original resolution adopted by the City
Council of the City of Santa Ana on
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
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