HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/18/2010, B2 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING COMMUNITY GARDEN FEES council
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C1 TY O F SAN L U I S O B I S P O
FROM: Betsy Kiser, Parks and Recreation Director
Prepared By: Christine Wallace and Amy Voorhies
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION ADOPTING COMMUNITY GARDEN FEES
RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission, adopt a resolution adopting a fee
increase for the Community Garden Program.
DISCUSSION
In January of 2009, staff presented a best practice review of the community garden program to
City Council. In that report, staff identified potential sites for a new garden as well as reviewed
the rental fees as compared to similar cities who manage community gardens. Noting that the
City has the lowest fees of any agency surveyed, staff indicated that they would return to Council
at a later date with a recommendation for community garden plot rental fees that recover more of
the costs associated with operation of the program. Prior to Council approval, these fees were
reviewed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) at its May 5 meeting.
Background of Community Garden Program
The Community Garden program began in 1975 as a senior project by Cal Poly ornamental
horticulture student Don Shealy. Shealy drafted a design for the gardens which involved layout
and programming, including gardening demonstrations, classes and workshops, harvest festivals
and produce exchanges. The first of the three gardens was located on Broad Street, with 10 plots
established. A 27-plot garden was created at the same time on the comer of Madonna Road and
Los Osos Valley Road; however it was removed in 1978 with the construction of Fire Station 4.
A third garden was placed on Laurel Lane next to Fire Station 2 where it continues to thrive
today. The Emerson Garden, located on the corner of Pismo and Nipomo Streets, was created
around 1997 after the Parks and Recreation Department administrative offices were built. The
Emerson Garden became a work site for several Eagle Scout and other volunteer projects to
develop the vacant lot into garden plots.
There are currently 70 garden plots in the three community gardens: Emerson Garden has 35 plots,
Laurel Lane Garden has 17 plots and the Broad Street Garden has 18 plots. In the past year,
several of the very large plots have been split into smaller and more manageable plots allowing
an additional five (5) gardeners to participate in the program. Because of the way the garden
program evolved, plot sizes vary at each garden with the smallest being 4'x 6' and the largest
being 26'x 30'. There is approximately 19,000 square feet currently available in the community
for public gardening.
In 2009 three local Rotary groups approached the City requesting permission to donate the
construction of a new community garden at Meadow Park, one of the sites identified in the best
Community Garden Fees 5.18.10 Page 2
practice review. The Rotary Community.Garden at Meadow Park will be finished by late May,
adding 5,600 square feet and 40 plots to the program; bringing the total number of plots available
to the community to 110 and the square footage to 23,834.
Current Practice
Per the City Council approved Budget and Fiscal Policies, the community garden program has a
low-range cost recovery goal of 0-30% of direct costs. The assumption for such a low cost
recovery rate is that Community Gardens provide great community benefit and the users consist
mostly of seniors and those with limited income. Based on this policy, San Luis Obispo
gardeners currently pay$24 annually for a garden plot that can be as small as 4'x6' or as large as
26'x30'. The fees are used to cover costs associated with maintaining the garden program,
including water, trash, and supplies ($5,200 per year), and 400 hours per year of staff time to
administer the program (approximately $8,000). In FY 2007-08, revenues from the garden
program were$1,300 for a very low cost recovery rate of 9.8%.
With the completion of the Rotary Community Garden at Meadow Park, staff time will increase
by approximately 100 hours/year and the estimated water usage will increase by $1,650._ When
all garden plots are rented, the total budget for the community garden program is expected to
increase to $16,400: $6,400 for maintenance and $10,000 for program administration.
Proposed Fees
In an effort to identify the best practice of maintaining a community garden program, staff
conducted interviews and distributed a survey to cities and parks and recreation districts
throughout California that offer a similar garden program. Agencies responding to the .
interviews/survey included: Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Brisbane, Costa Mesa, Culver City,
Davis, Healdsburg, Isla Vista, Mill Valley, Mountain View, Napa, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Salinas,
Santa Maria, Ventura and Walnut Creek (Attachment 1). The results of the survey revealed that
the City of San Luis Obispo has the lowest rental fee for a garden plot of those surveyed.
A subsequent analysis of the best practice results found that the practice of charging by the
square foot was most common; however there was no consistency across agencies as to what that
charge should be. As a point of reference, staff considered charging$.10 cents per square foot but
found that some of the larger plots would double in cost, potentially becoming too costly for
some of the low and fixed income gardeners, while the other smaller plots would drop to less
than half of the current annual rate, which already has been determined to be too low.
Keeping policy, fairness and affordability in mind, staff found that a fee system based on a set
base rate with an additional square footage assessment would accomplish the goal of higher cost
recovery while providing an affordable program for participants. Therefore, staff recommends
adding $.03 per square foot to the annual base rate of$24 for each garden plot. Attachment 2
shows the size of each garden plot with the accompanying calculation of the $.03 cents per
square foot and the total annual cost for each plot. Applying this system, revenues are projected
to be $3,310 during the first year, for a cost recovery rate of 20%. Additionally, the annual base
B a Q-
Community Garden Fees 5.18.10 Page 3
rate of$24/year will become part of the City's Master Fee Schedule and therefore be adjusted
annually by CPI.
Staff believes the increase in fees will not create a hardship for existing gardeners as most plots
will only increase between $5 and $10 annually. However, if attrition does occur, there is a
waiting list of over 75 gardeners.
Attachment 2 also shows the cost of each garden plot if Council chooses to recover either 25%or
30% of direct costs. However, considering that most of the participants in the program are
seniors and low-income citizens, the fees could become unaffordable at those recovery levels.
In the past, staff has billed users quarterly. Staff proposes that the program participants be billed
annually to reduce the amount of staff time needed to administer the program.
CONCURRENCES
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the garden fees at its May 5, 2010 meeting and
concur with the recommendation of adding $.03 per square foot to the annual base rate of$24 for
each garden plot (see Attachment 3).
Staff sent notices to all current gardeners informing them of the intent to increase fees, and heard
back from several who were interested in knowing how the fee increase would actually affect
their particular rental. There were no complaints when they were given the proposed new cost of
their plot.
FISCAL IMPACT
Using the proposed fee formula, revenue for FY 2010-11 for all four garden areas is projected to
be $3,310. With program costs, including water, trash, supplies and staff time expected to be
$16,400, the cost recovery rate becomes 20%, well within the Budget and Fiscal Policies but also
well within the budgets of the gardeners.
ALTERNATIVES
Council could choose to recover revenues closer to the 30% ceiling identified in the Budget and
Fiscal Policies for low-cost recovery programs. Attachment 2 provides the data for this increase.
However, this might render the program unaffordable to seniors and low-income citizens.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Survey Results
2. New Fee Analysis
3. PRC Minutes from May 5, 2010
4. Resolution
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Community Garden Fee Analysis
Cost Recovery Percentage
Laurel Lane 20% 25% 30%
$24 base rate+ $24 base rate+ $24 base rate+
Plot# Square Feet $24 per plot $.03 per sq.ft. $.06 per sq.ft. $.09 per sq.ft.
1 775 $ 24.00 $ 47.25 $ 70.50 $ 93.75
2A 192 $ 24.00 $ 29.76 $ 35.62 $ 41:28
2B 192 $ 24.00 $ 29.76 $ 35.52 $ 41.28
2C 216 $ 24.00 $ 30.48 $ 36.96 $ 43.44
2D 216 $ 24.00 $ 30.48 $ 36.96 $ 43.44
3A 192 $ 24.00 $ 29.76 $ 35.52 $ 41.28
3B 192 $ 24.00 $ 29.76 $ 35.52 $ 41.28
4 120 $ 24.00 $ 27.60 $ 31.20 $ 34.80
5A 230 $ 24.00 $ 30.90 $ 37.80 $ 44.70
5B 270 $ 24.00 $ 32.10 $ 40.20 $ 48.30
6A 250 $ 24.00 $ 31.50 $ 39.00 $ 46.50
6B 230 $ 24.00 $ 30.90 $ 37.80 $ 44.70
7 356 $ 24.00 $ 34.68 $ 45.36 $ 56.04
8A 442 $ 24.00 $ 37.26 $ 50.52 $ 63.78
8B 403 $ 24.00 $ 36.09 $ 48.18 $ 60.27
9A 278 $ 24.00 $ 32.34 $ 40.68 $ 49.02
9B 288 $ 24.00 $ 32.64 $ 41.28 $ 49.92
10 198 $ 24.00 1
29.94 $ 35.88 $ 41.82
Laurel Totals 5040 $ 408.00 $ 583.20 $ 734.40 $ 885.60
Cost Recovery Percentage
Broad Street 20% 25% 30%
$24 base rate+ $24 base rate+ $24 base rate+
Plot# Square Feet $24 per plot $.03 per sq.ft. $.06 per sq:ft. $.09 er s .ft.
1 310 $ 24.00 $ 33.30 $ 42.60 $ 51.90
2 310 $ 24.00 $ 33.30 $ 42.60 $ 51.90
3 270 $ 24.00 $ 32.10 $ 40.20 $ 48.30
4 716 $ 24.00 $ 45.48 $ 66.96 $ 88.44
5 527 $ 24.00 $ 39.81 $ 55.62 $ 71.43
6 527 $ 24.00 $ 39.81 $ 55.62 $ 71.43
7 527 $ 24.00 $ 39.81 $ 55.62 $ 71.43
8 527 $ 24.00 $ 39.81 $ 55.62 $ 71.43
9 176 $ 24;00 $ 29.28 $ 34.56 $ 39.84
10 176 $ 24.00 $ 29.28 $ 34.56 $ 39.84
11 780 $ 24.00 $ 47.40 $ 70.80 $ 94.20
12A 357 $ 24.00 $ 34.71 $ 45.42 $ 56.13
12B 252 $ 24.00 $ 31.56 $ 39.12 $ 46.68
13 182 $ 24.00 $ 29.46 $ 34.92 $ 40.38
14 182 $ 24.00 $ 29.46 $ 34.92 $ 40.38
15 264 $ 24.00 $ 31.92 $ 39.84 $ 47.76
16 192 $ 24.00 $ 29.76 $ 35.52 $ 41.28
17 275 $ 24.00 $ 32.25 $ 40.50 $ 48.75
Broad Totals 6550 $ 432.00 $ 628.50 $ 825.00 $ 1,021.50
13a-5
Community Garden Fee Analysis
Cost Recovery Percentage
Emerson Park 20% 25% 30%
$24 base rate+ $24 base rate+ $24 base rate+
Plot# Square Feet $24 per plot $.03 per.sq.ft. $.06 persq.ft.. $.09 p ers .ft.
Raised Beds 432 $ 24.00 $ 36.96 $ 49.92 $ 62.88
1A 56 $ 24.00 $ 25.68 $ 27.36 $ 29.04
1 B 56 $ 24.00 $ 25.68 $ 27.36 $ 29.04
2A 152 $ 24.00 $ 28.56 $ 33.12 $ 37.68
2B 128 $ 24.00 $ 27.84 $ 31.68 $ 35.52
3A 123 $ 24.00 $ 27.69 $ 31.38 $ 35.07
3B 131 $ 24.00 $ 27.93 $ 31.86 $ 35.79
4 268 $ 24.00 $ 32.04 $ 40.08 $ 48.12
5A 171 $ 24.00 $ 29.13 $ 34.26 $ 39.39
5B 171 $ 24.00 $ 29.13 $ 34.26 $ 39.39
6 289 $ 24.00 $ 32.67 $ 41.34 $ 50.01
9A 131 $ 24.00 $ 27.93 $ 31.86 $ 35.79
9B 88 $ 24.00 $ 26.64 $ 29.28 $ 31.92
9C 36 $ 24.00 $ 25.08 $ 26:16 $ 27.24
10 259 $ 24.00 .$ 31.77 $ 39.54 $ 47.31
11 266 $ 24.00 $ 31.98 $ 39.96 $ 47.94
12 323 $ 24.00 $ 33.69 $ 43.38 $ 53.07
13 231 $ 24.00 $ 30.93 $ 37.86 $ 44.79
14 304 $ 24.00 $ 33.12 $ 42.24 $ 51.36
15A 130 $ 24.00 $ 27.90 $ 31.80 $ 35.70
156 130 $ 24.00 $ 27.90 $ 31.80 $ 35.70
17 252 $ 24.00 $ 31.56 $ 39.12 $ 46:68
18A 146 $ 24.00 $ 28.38 $ 32.76 $ 37.14
18B 137 $ 24.00 $ 28.11 $ 32.22 $ 36:33
19A 130 $ 24.60 $ 27.90 $ 31.80 $ 35:70
19B 130 $ 24.00 $ 27.90 $ 31.80 $ 35.70
21A 144 $ 24.00 $ 28.32 $ 32.64 $ 36.96
21B 144 $ 24.00 $ 28.32 $ 32.64 $ 36.96
22A 127 $ 24.00 $ 27.81 $ 31.62 $ 35.43
22B 166 $ 24.00 $ 28.98 $ 33.96 $ 38.94
23A 143 $ 24.00 $ 28.29 $ 32.58 $ 36.87
23B 152 $ 24.00 $ 28.56 $ 33.12 $ 37.68
25 261 $ 24.00 $ 31.83 $ 39.66 $ 47.49
26 276 $ 24.00 $ 32.28 $ 40.56 $ 48.84
27A 120 $ 24.00 $ 27.60 $ 31.20 $ 34.80
27B 139 $ 24.00 $ 28.17 $ 32.34 $ 36.51
28 302 $ 24.00 $ 33.06 $ 42.12 $ 51.18
Emerson Totals 6644 $ 888.00 $ 1,087.32. $ 1,286.64 $ 1,485.96
Cost Recovery-Percentage
-Meadow-Park 20% 25% 30%
$24 base rate+ $24 base rate+ $24 base rate+
Plot# Square Feet $24 per plot $.03 persq.ft. $.06 pers ..ft. $.09 ers .ft.
1 140 $ 24.00 $ 28.20 $ 32.40 $ 36.60
2-40 5460 $ 936.00 $ 1,099.80 $ 1,263.60 $ 1,427.40
Meadow Totals 5600 $ 960.00 $ 1,128.00 $ 1,296.00 $ 1,464.00
- -- ---- -- - -
"--GosfRecovery Percentage '-
Totals forall Garden Sites 20% 25% 30%
$24 base rate+ $24 base rate+ $24'diFse rete+
Square Feet $24 per plot $.03 -ers ..ft. $.06.per sq.ft. $.09 per sq.ft.
Totals _ 23834__$;-2,688.00. _$-. __ 3;427.02_$:_ 4,142.04._$___ 4,857.06-
ITACHMUff
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
May 5, 2010
Page 5 of 9
7. Community Garden Fees—Yiser/Wallace
Recreation Supervisor Christine Wallace provided a presentation on the Community Garden
Fees. In January 2009 staff presented a best practice review of the community garden program to
City Council.The City of San Luis Obispo has one of the oldest Community Garden Programs in
that it has been in operation since 1975 and includes three sites; Emerson Park, Laurel Lane, and
Broad Street With the recent addition of the Rotary Community Garden at Meadow Park
(opening in June) there will be a total of 110 spaces available for the community's use.
Currently the annual fee for gardeners is $24/year regardless of size of plot The cost recovery
rate is 9.8% for this program. While San Luis Obispo offers the most garden space, it is the
lowest in terms of cost recovery. A new best practices review of other cities shows there is no
fee structure standard aside from charging by the square foot. Proposal is to keep the base fee at
$24/year/plot but charge an additional 3 cents per square foot. This would bring cost recovery to
20% and still provide affordable plots. Director Kiser added the desire is to remain sensitive to
existing users, those with low incomes and seniors and is the reason cost recovery to 30% was
not considered
Commissioners discussed. Commissioner Havas expressed concern as to the number of people
on the waiting list who would be challenged by the new fee (which is unknown). Although the
new gardens at Meadow Park are all a standard 14'x10', the ability to offer variable and smaller
sizes with the other older gardens can also be appealing to users. Also discussed was concern
over some plots appearance to be unused and overgrown right now. This is felt to be the result
of a very rainy spring and that gardeners have not had the opportunity to tend to as of yet.
Commissioners were informed letters requesting "TLC" to plot owners are issued as a reminder
when necessary; the goal being not to have any down time in garden use. Chair Kincaid added
his praise of the new community garden at Meadow Park as an incredible amenity for the City
and community.
Public Comment:
Elizabeth Johnson, San Luis Obispo. Feels the Community Garden program is wonderful and is
aware fees are not enough for cost recovery but feels figures are fair. Has a large garden plot at
Laurel Lane; gives away produce regularly and also uses garden for studying and photography.
Organized first seed exchange in the community.Commends the City's support.
Pam Dillan, San Luis Obispo. Currently on a waiting list; attended out of concern for raise in
fees. Feels the new amount would be fine.
Recreation Supervisor Wallace added the dedication of the new Rotary community garden at
Meadow Park will be on June 8; invitations will be forthcoming.
MOTION: (Davis/Regier) Approve the revised fee schedule for the Community Garden program
and recommend that City Council adopt a resolution adopting the fee increase and adding the fee
to the Master Fee Schedule.
Approved: 6 yes:0 no: 0 absent
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RESOLUTION NO. (2010 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AMENDING THE CITY'S MASTER FEE SCHEDULE FOR
THE COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of San Luis Obispo to review service charges on
an ongoing basis and to adjust them as required to ensure that they remain adequate to achieve
adopted cost recovery goals; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with this policy the Council has adopted a master fee
schedule based on a comprehensive analysis of service costs and the City's cost recovery policy;
and
WHEREAS, the Council considered amendments to the master fee schedule at a public
meeting on May 18, 2010 based on a detailed analysis of costs and funding requirements to meet
adopted cost recovery goals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
that the City's master fee schedule is hereby amended as follows, effective July 1, 2010:
a. The base fee for each garden plot will be $24.00 per year plus $.03 per square foot.
b. The base fee only will be increased annually by the CPI.
Upon motion of , seconded by and on the
following roll call vote:.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was adopted.on May 18, 2010.
Mayor David F. Romero
ATTEST:
Elaina Cano, City Clerk
APP VED AS F RM:
i�
0-);Ehristine Dietrick,Ifity Attomey