Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout6711_CCv0001.pdf RESOLUTION NO. 6711 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS ADOPTING A CITY CITRUS POLICY Whereas, the residents of the City of Redlands ("City') approved Measure "O" in 1988;. and Whereas, among other purposes and goals, Measure "O" states that the City shall endeavor to acquire citrus groves for the purpose of preserving the citrus and agricultural heritage of the City; and Whereas, in 1996, a Citrus Preservation Commission was established to advise the City Council of the City of Redlands and City staff on matters relating to the acquisition and management of citrus groves, and Whereas, after many years of experience in citrus cultivation, and as a result of changes in the global citrus market, City staff recommends that the City Council revisit. and update the City's Citrus Policy; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Redlands that the updated City of Redlands' Citrus Policy described in the attached Exhibit"A" is hereby adopted. ADOPTED, SIGNED AND APPROVED this 20`x' day of May, 2008 M or Jon. Harrison ATTEST: Cit • lerk 1, Lorrie Poyzer, City Clerk of the City of Redlands, hereby certify that Resolution No. 6711 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Redlands at a regular meting thereof held on the 20th day of May, 2008, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Gilbreath, Gallagher, Aguilar, Bean; Mayor Harrison. NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 53 Lor r' Poyzer, erk UJMReso/6711 Citrus Policv 5/14/08 2:58 p.m. City of Redlands Citrus Policy This document establishes a policy for the preservation and enhancement of City-owned citrus groves within the City. General Policy Statement One of the unique characteristics of the City of Redlands that is most valued and cherished by its residents is the presence of citrus groves within the community. Citrus groves give an ambiance of uncluttered open space with greenery year-round, fragrant blossoms in the spring, and colorful fruit much of the year. Traditionally, these groves have been located within the City to such an extent that they are observed regularly by our residents and visitors during their everyday lives. Many of the Redlands groves were originally planted for profit and designed to provide direct economic benefits for the owners. However, with increasing frequency, privately-owned groves have become less financially viable. The City has seen an industry once supported by twenty-nine packing houses, reduced to one packing house. Owners are facing increasing pressure to convert their citrus land into alternative, profitable uses; most typically, residential and commercial development. Despite these pressures, the citizens of Redlands are firmly committed to maintaining the citrus heritage of the City. To that end, Redlands voters passed Measure "0" in 1988 by an overwhelming majority. The initiative provided bond measure funds for the strategic purchase of various lands to be maintained in perpetuity as open space. This included park land, trails, recreational land and citrus groves. It also led to the creation of the Citrus Preservation Commission in 1996, which advises the City Council and has assumed the charge of managing and maintaining the day-to-day business of the citizen- owned Redlands citrus groves as a public asset. The majority of groves purchased with Measure "0" funds have consisted of parcels located and configured to farm for profit. Additionally, groves have been acquired that are not ideally situated for profitable return. Though the general goal of the entire operation is sustainability, it is understood that the aesthetic benefits of groves must be factored into the decision-making process. The Citrus Preservation Commission has provided a great service to our residents by managing the City-owned citrus groves as a self sustaining operation, with no burden to the General Fund. The Citrus Preservation Commission shall continue to advise the City Council in a capacity that ensures the future viability of City-owned citrus groves in the City of Redlands, balancing the need to be self sustaining, and the aesthetic benefits of citrus groves. Specific Policy Statements As further foundation for the duties of the Citrus Preservation Commission in its advisory capacity to the City Council, the Citrus Preservation Commission recognizes the following statements as guidance: 1) The primary objective of the Citrus Commission and the City Council is to maintain the historic presence of representative citrus lands throughout the entire city and, in particular, at locations where they will be seen and appreciated regularly by our citizens and to manage City-owned groves in an economically sustainable manner. It shall be the principle goal of the City Council and the Citrus Commission to manage the City Groves as an Enterprise Fund so that the cost of managing the City-owned citrus groves is self-sustaining and does not impact the General Fund. 2) City-owned groves should be managed with the goal of, but not the requirement to, being supported by revenue received from the sale of citrus products from these groves. Due to unpredictable market factors, an end analysis may show good years covering bad years, and profitable groves covering less profitable groves. Understanding the dynamics of the original purpose of Measure "0" and the citrus market, as a whole, recommendations should be made in consideration of profitability, long-term viability, aesthetics, and any other factors important to the citizens of Redlands. 3) Members of the Citrus Preservation Commission and city staff shall consider input from citrus marketing professionals, citrus farmers, and the public when making decisions and recommendations to Council. 4) Conduct bi-monthly meetings of the Citrus Preservation Commission. 5) Recommendations by the Citrus Preservation Commission that have the potential of creating a significant impact on the profitability, long- term viability, aesthetics, or any other factors important to the citizens of Redlands, should be brought to the level of City Council for review prior to their execution. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of large areas of trees; determining locations for new citrus groves; or any other activity that would significantly change the quality of life of residents in relation to neighboring groves. 6) Take steps to ensure that in the event of difficult financial times, adequate funding is made available to continue to maintain City citrus groves designated as "Historical Preserve of Citrus" in an acceptable and responsible manner. 7) It shall be the responsibility of the Citrus Preservation Commission and staff liaison to revisit this policy when significant changes have occurred that provide circumstances not previously experienced by this body, or otherwise provided for in the general spirit of this policy.