Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 8.1. 9/26/2023 File #: 23-0624
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tom Kisela, City Manager
1. SUBJECT
Introduction and First Reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 2.62 to Title 2 of the Orange Municipal Code, and establishing the Santiago Creek Commission; and finding of CEQA exemption.
Ordinance No. 13-23.
2. SUMMARY
Santiago Creek is a substantial watershed in Orange County that extends over 30 miles. While Santiago Creek’suppermost portions are free flowing, a considerable section of Santiago Creek runs through urban areas, including the City of Orange. With Santiago Creek’secological and historical importance, the proposed ordinance will create a commission to further existing efforts to restore and enhance Santiago Creek on public property.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 13-23. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Orange adding Chapter 2.62 to Title 2 of the Orange Municipal Code (Administration and Personnel) establishing a new advisory commission regarding Santiago Creek.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 3: Enhance and Promote Quality of Life in the Community a. Renovate, maintain, develop, and/or expand public use places and spaces. b. Deliver high quality and safe recreational, educational, and cultural services.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
The City of Orange is fortunate to have Santiago Creek, Orange County’slargest watershed, serving as a significant tributary to the Santa Ana River within its boundaries. With natural waterways over much of its length, Santiago Creek is a unique bit of nature in a predominantly urban area.
Many volunteers and community groups have dedicated time to clean and restore Santiago Creek. In recognizing Santiago Creek’simportance to the Orange community coupled with its recreational and scenic potential, it is recommended the City Council approve the introduction of Ordinance No. 13- City of Orange Printed on 9/21/2023Page 1 of 2
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Item #: 8.1. 9/26/2023 File #: 23-0624
23, creating the Santiago Creek Commision (“Commission”) to:
· Advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning the implementation of public projects in/along the Santiago Creek Area.
· Advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning implementation of the Santiago Creek Plans for the Santiago Creek Area with regard to public property. · Advise and make recommendations to the City Council regarding preservation/enhancements of public open space within the Santiago Creek Area.
· Advise and make recommendations to the City Council on the acquisition of private property when it becomes available.
· Perform other duties (or refrain from performing duties) as prescribed by the City Council.
Additionally, it is proposed that the Commission will be comprised of seven members serving a four- year term. Members will be appointed by the Mayor (with each Councilmember able to suggest one individual) and ratified by a vote of the entire City Council. Lastly, the Commission will be a Brown Act body with regular Commission meeting times and days established by City Council resolution.
All Commission proposals will be presented to the Orange City Council as recommendations for consideration.
7. ATTACHMENTS
· Ordinance No. 13-23
City of Orange Printed on 9/21/2023Page 2 of 2
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