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Rules Committee forwards parks charter amendment to June ballot after months of revisions
Summary
The Rules Committee on Jan. 28 recommended forwarding a charter amendment that would establish a baseline appropriation and extend the Park, Recreation and Open Space Fund—adding equity analysis to Rec & Park planning—to the full Board for placement on the June 7, 2016 ballot.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee on Jan. 28 voted to forward a charter amendment to the full Board that would require an annual baseline appropriation for the Park, Recreation and Open Space Fund and extend the fund—s set-aside for 15 years, with a ballot election planned for June 7, 2016.
Supervisor Mark Farrell, who sponsored the measure, told the committee the fourth draft is the product of five months of committee review and more than a dozen amendments and said the changes strengthen Board oversight and add equity provisions. "It—s going to create stability, and additional resources significantly, for our rec and park department," Farrell said, adding that the proposal had been shaped by more than 30 neighborhood meetings.
Public commenters were largely supportive but urged specific edits. Dee Seligman asked the committee to add language requiring Rec & Park—s written design guidelines for new and renovated parks and facilities to be reviewed and adopted by the Rec & Park Commission; she said the commission represents the public—s viewpoint on design choices affecting trees, plantings and public access. "Our Rec and Parks written design guidelines for new facilities, parks and open space—shall be reviewed and adopted by the Rec and Park Department Commission," Seligman said.
Matt O—Grady, CEO of the San Francisco Parks Alliance, said the alliance strongly supports the legislation as a substantially improved measure that will protect and invest in the city—s park system "for the next 30 years." Tom Bridal, a public speaker, warned that in some cases natural-area management can reduce public access and urged continued Board oversight so funds are spent as intended.
After discussion, Supervisor Farrell moved a positive recommendation and Supervisor Malia Cohen seconded; the committee forwarded the charter amendment to the full Board by unanimous consent.
Next steps: the full Board will consider placement on the June 7, 2016 ballot; the Rules Committee record shows the measure will return with related analysis and any additional recommended edits.
