CCMIN080189 - Laserfiche WebLink

211 Ms. Marilyn Ornellas, 5808 San Juan Way, stated that she was relatively new in the area and agreed with Ms. Greene's position. She inquired what the options would be should the property remain under the County. Mr. Mercer explained that a property owner has the right to request annexation to the City, and the School District has opted to do that. He added that five years ago, in response to residents from the area constantly asking to be annexed to the City, the Council had a study done on what could be done to annex the entire Sycamore Valley and Alisal area without disturbing its rural atmosphere. The Alisal Improvement Club, the Mayor and the City Attorney spent a year putting together a plan that might preserve the rural character and satisfy everyone's concerns. He pointed out that this is nothing more than a request; the Council reacts to it with a yes or a no. The County does not own the property; the property owners do. These owners also have the right to go to the County, their level of government, and develop their property under it auspices. Ms. Ornellas asked if the right to develop a property under the County were restricted by agricultural zoning. Mr. Butler responded that in some cases, this could be true. However, the County could change that since agricultural zoning does not necessarily prohibit development. The County has its own standards for development. Mr. Brandes clarified that the plans developed by the applicant in consultation with some people are just plans and did not have the City's approval at this point. Mr. Mercer indicated that while Land Planning Consultants was in constant touch with the Councilmembers during the study, no formal action was taken then; the first request is being made now. If the Council approves the annexation, an application would be sent to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to decide how the taxes would be split between the County and the City. It then proceeds to the County Board of Supervisors for consideration, after which it is returned to the City to be formalized. The property is then annexed to the City. At this point, permission from the City would be necessary for any development in the property. At the same time, it would now be the City's responsibility to provide the necessary infrastructure: sewer, water, streets, and police and fire services. Mr. Tarver stated that annexation would be in the School District's best interest because it would then be in a better position to dispose of the property and invest the money in the School. He also pointed out that annexation with a Specific Plan would be the best way to preserve the rural environment. -8- 8-1-89