Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance No.  2014-22:  An ordinance setting aside and preserving twenty (20) acres of specific city property for open space and authorizing staff to apply to Coconino County for a rezoning to reflect the preservation.(Designating property near Schultz Pass Rd. and Mt. Elden Lookout Rd. as open space)

After significant public process and City Council discussion, on January 21, 2014 the Council approved Resolution 2014-04 which provided city staff with the direction to bring a parcel of land identified as Assessor's Parcel Number 300-47-004 forward for consideration and possible action to preserve it as open space.  The parcel is owned by the City of Flagstaff, but is located in Coconino County so upon approval of the action preserving it for open space city staff will apply to Coconino County to rezone the parcel to the zoning most reflective of it's new restrictions.  The strategy was discussed with the Open Space Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission and both bodies are supportive of the designation. The parcel isaddressed 3620 West Schultz Pass Road and is located near to the intersection of Schultz Pass Road and Mt. Elden Lookout Road and has been referred to informally as the Shultz Y.

There are not significant costs associated with this action.  The parcel is already city owned and not restricted to a specific use.  There is not a requirement for reimbursement to a specific fund either.  The preservation of the parcel as open space will generate some need for maintenance and prevent the City from generating revenue from the parcel, but is not anticipated to generate significant costs.  A partnership with the Forest Service regarding trail development and maintenance has been discussed.  According to the fee schedule outlined on Coconino County's  application for rezoning 20 acres of land to open space the fees will be $800.

COUNCIL GOALS:

11. Effective governance

REGIONAL PLAN:

OS 1 - The region has a system of open lands, such as undeveloped natural areas, wildlife corridors and habitat areas, trails, access to public lands and greenways to support the natural environment that sustains our quality of life, cultural heritage, and ecosystem health. 

REC 1 - Maintain and grow the region's healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails.

On January 21st, 2014, City Council approved Resolution 2014-04 which provided staff direction regarding the disposition of 17 parcels of City owned land.  The direction included this specific parcel being brought forward for consideration of a designation as open space. First read of the Ordinance was held on August 25, 2014.

1) Approve Ordinance 2014-22 which will designate parcel 300-47-004 as open space and authorize city staff to take the steps necessary to rezone the parcel.
2) Not approve Ordinance 2014-22 and provide staff additional direction regarding intended disposition of the parcel.
3) Not approve Ordinance 2014-22.

The twenty (20) acre parcel of City owned land has historic and natural resources and is considered of high value by the Open Space Commission and many members of the community.  It is not restricted to other uses by funding source, dedication or previous Council action.  City staff performed an inventory of city owned land and this parcel was brought forward from that process for City Council discussion and to receive guidance regarding its potential uses and disposition.  After significant public discussion City Council provided direction, memorialized in Resolution 2014-04, that city staff bring the parcel forward for consideration of preservation as open space. 

The public comment related to the parcel demonstrated significant community interest in its disposition and the Open Space Commission recommended it be preserved as open space.

It is currently used recreationally and there have been conversations with the Forest Service regarding a potential partnership on the parcel.

The parcel is in the County and any rezoning will go through the County process.

According to the City of Flagstaff Regional Plan and the 1998 Flagstaff Area Open Space and Greenways Plan, parks and open spaces provide significant community benefit and are a value for Flagstaff.  The designation of this parcel as open space will increase the amount of land in the region preserved towards that benefit and protect a parcel considered high value.  It will also potentially provide for Flagstaff Urban Trail System to Forest Service Trail connectivity in the future. 

Involve

1) Approve Ordinance 2014-22 which will designate the parcel as open space and authorize staff to take the necessary steps to rezone the parcel.  This will preserve the parcel as open space and protect it from other uses.
2) No approve Ordinance 2014-22 and provide staff additional direction regarding the intended disposition of the parcel.  This action will provide staff additional guidance regarding City Council's desires disposition and will additional time for revision.
3) Not approve Ordinance 2014-22.  This action will maintain the parcel as vacant and unprotected land.