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San Mateo City parks department warns of near-term revenue lull, seeks $1.95M for prioritized projects
Summary
Staff told the Park and Recreation Commission that changes under Senate Bill 330 and a slowdown in residential development could push park impact fee receipts to near zero, and outlined $1.95 million in requests and shovel'ready priorities including turf replacement, irrigation upgrades and a recreation facility needs assessment.
The San Mateo City Park and Recreation Department told commissioners on March 25 that changes to state development law and a forecast slowdown in new housing could sharply reduce near'term park impact fee revenue, and staff requested $1.95 million in targeted funding for priority projects if other sources permit.
Business manager Susette Silverman said Senate Bill 330 shifts the timing of some developer fee collections and that department projections anticipate a pause in development-generated fees. "We are in for a 12 to hopefully 12 to 18 month dry spell," she said, "Our revenue projections for this fiscal year are zero and for next fiscal year are zero." Staff said they are prioritizing projects that are shovel'ready and have existing allocations to preserve the ability to pursue grants and outside funding.
Highlight projects include additional funds for synthetic turf replacement at Los Praos field (staff noted prior Measure S funding and an additional $700,000 ask for this cycle), irrigation controller upgrades to conserve water, Shore View Skate Plaza resurfacing and lighting (supported in part by Measure CC), $400,000 proposed for golf bunker repairs and $50,000 to finish planning for Trena and Washington playground replacements. Staff also requested funding from general fund reserves to complete a comprehensive recreation facility needs assessment to guide future investments.
Staff described how the CIP prioritization considers restricted funding sources, master plans, maintenance needs and interdepartmental coordination with public works and finance. Several commissioners asked about ADA compliance triggers for capital work, whether a single pool could meet community needs and outreach strategies for the facility needs assessment; staff said ADA considerations are factored into projects and that grants often require in-person engagement as part of outreach.
Silverman said the requests and funding allocations will be forwarded to city council on April 20 with final budget approval scheduled in June. "We're trying to allocate the funds that we do have very carefully for the next two years," she said, emphasizing readiness for grant opportunities by keeping shovel'ready projects prioritized.
