HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-56 - Characterizing OC Fairgrounds as "Underutilized" State PropertyRESOLUTION NO. 04-56
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING THE FINDINGS
OF THE CALIFORNIA PERFORMANCE REVIEW
CHARACTERIZING THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR-
GROUNDS AS "UNDERUTILIZED" STATE PROPERTY.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF COSTA MESA
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AND DECLARE AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California commissioned a
comprehensive review of all State operations in an effort to identify ways to reduce the
State's current budget imbalance and to streamline and make its operations more
efficient; and
WHEREAS, the State recently released its comprehensive review of State
operations entitled the "California Performance Review" and is currently taking public
testimony on the report and its recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review includes a report and series of
recommendations entitled "Tapping Surplus. Property Assets" wherein the Orange
County Fairgrounds is specifically referenced as an example of "underutilized or surplus
State property"; and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review's only reference to the value of
the programs and activities at the Orange County Fairgrounds is limited to a one -
sentence statement regarding the "annual Orange County Fair, a summertime
agriculture festival"; and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review fails completely in its analysis of
the Orange County Fairgrounds by ignoring the facility as a major entertainment,
recreational, cultural and educational asset to Orange County; and
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WHEREAS, the. California Performance Review ignores the over 100 events
held annually at the Orange County Fairgrounds supporting cultural and non-profit
organizations; and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review fails in its stated mission to
focus on improving economic conditions and consequently the State's budget
imbalance by omitting the significance of the Orange County Marketplace as an
incubator for small business development; and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review assigns no value to year round
and seasonal employment for thousands of youth and senior citizens in various
activities at the Orange County Fairgrounds; employment that not only does not
constitute a drain on the State budget but generates incomes tax. proceeds to the State;
and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review does not take into account the
estimated $185.2 million in economic impact the Fair's activities generate annually in
support of the State's economy; and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review omits any reference to the year-
round educational programs offered at the Orange County Fairgrounds including
Centennial Farms and The Ranch Program; and
WHEREAS, the California Performance Review section on "Tapping Surplus
Property Assets" in its characterization of the Orange County Fairgrounds as
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"underutilized and surplus property" is so wholly and totally inaccurate in its blatantly
one-sided analysis as to render the entire report suspect as a public policy document.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that based on the preceding, the City
Council hereby opposes the findings in the California Performance Review in its
assessment of the Orange County Fairgrounds as "underutilized and surplus property."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council encourages its residents and
members of the business community to contact the Governor and members of the
State Legislature and demand they disregard the discussions and findings in this part of
the California Performance Review.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor,
Mayor Pro Tem, any member of the City Council and City staff to represent the City's
position on this matter.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be submitted as part
of the public hearing process currently in progress. on the California Performance
Review as well as copies to the Governor and members of the Orange County
delegation.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of September, 2004.
ATTEST:
Cu
Deputy Wy Clerk oftthe City of Costa Mesa Mayor oft ITeCityAf Costa Mesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM
f
City ttorney
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STATE OF, CALIFORNIA) .
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss
CITY OF COSTA MESA )
I, -JULIE FOLCIK, Deputy City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the
City '1of Costa Mesa, hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution
No. 04-56_was duly and regularly assed and adopted by the said City Council at
a regular meeting thereof held on the 7 h day of September, 2004, by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Monahan, Mansoor, Cowan, Steel, Scheafer
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
the City of Costa Mesa this 8t" day of September, 2004.
Deputy 01ty Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of
the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa
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