FY 2021 2122 ADOPTED OPERATING AND FY 2021 2526 CIP BUDGETS

Agriculture Preservation and Open Space

306.8063

Division Description The Agricultural Preservation and Open Space Division has two primary activities. The first is to acquire open space and agriculture lands through conservation easements or fee title. According to the Urban Limit Line/Greenbelt Study, priority locations for open space are the east side of El Toro Mountain and the foothills east of Hill Road and north of Dunne Avenue. The City’s Agricultural Lands Preservation Program directs that funds be used for acquisition of agricultural easements within the Morgan Hill Sphere of Influence and identifies priority areas for preservation of agricultural lands. However, with the recent loss of the City’s Residential Growth Control Systems (RDCS), due to State Legislation (SB330), new revenues for these activities will be eliminated. The second activity is to abate weeds on an annual basis as part of the City’s public safety efforts. Historically, the City has contracted with Santa Clara County (SCC) for weed abatement of its 320 acres in numerous locations throughout the City. As part of this turnkey approach, the SCC Weed Abatement Coordinator works with the Fire Department to abate weeds as necessary. City employee time is typically limited to correspondence with residents and the Weed Abatement Coordinator, unless the County Program fails to meet maintenance needs in a timely fashion. Due to the location and topography of the City’s open space, often specialized equipment or hand work is necessary. FY 2018-19 and 2019-20 Accomplishments • Abated weeds in various locations throughout the City’s open space property • Worked with landowners and other agencies on the conservation of agricultural lands acquiring easements on two properties and preserving 39 acres for perpetual agricultural use Shift agriculture preservation strategy to deal with loss of contributions to the Fund, by focusing on regional partnerships and potential grant opportunities (Fiscal Sustainability; Advancing Regional Initiatives, Preserving Open Space and Agricultural Land) • Explore alternative models to open space weed abatement and fire protection (Fiscal Sustainability; Maintaining Infrastructure) Financial Comments The Agricultural Preservation and Open Space Fund is supported by fees collected from developers. Future funding will be eliminated due to State legislation (SB330) eliminating the City’s Residential Development Control System. Fund balance will be used to finalize current easement opportunities in the “pipeline” and to fund open space maintenance. FY 2020-21 and 2021-22 Activity Goals •

COMMUNITY SERVICES 189