LAFCO
Park and Recreation Districts Sphere of Influence
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COLUSA LAFCO
PARK and RECREATION DISTRICTS
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Adopted January 27, 2011
Resolution 2010-0011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR ARBUCKLE PARK AND RECREATION
DISTRICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR MAXWELL PARK AND RECREATION
DISTRICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR STONYFORD PARK AND RECREATION
DISTRICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PREPARERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 LAFCO's Responsibilities
This Sphere of Influence (SOI) Update has been prepared for the Colusa Local Agency
Formation Commission (Colusa LAFCO). Local Agency Formation Commissions are
quasi-legislative local agencies created in 1963 to assist the State in encouraging the
orderly development and formation of local agencies. This SOI consists of a review of
park and recreation services as provided by the three park and recreation districts in
Colusa County.
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000
(Government Code §56000 et seq.) is the statutory authority for the preparation of an
MSR, and periodic updates of the Sphere of Influence of each local agency. A Sphere of
Influence is a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local
agency, as determined by the affected Local Agency Formation Commission
(Government Code §56076). Government Code §56425(f) requires that each Sphere of
Influence be updated not less than every five years, and §56430 provides that a
Municipal Service Review shall be conducted in advance of the Sphere of Influence
update.
1.2 Sphere of Influence Requirements
In determining the Sphere of Influence for each local agency, LAFCO must consider and
prepare a written statement of determinations with respect to each of the following:
1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open
space lands;
2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area;
3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services which
the agency provides, or is authorized to provide; and
4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
1.3 LAFCO Policies and Procedures Related to Spheres of Influence
The Colusa LAFCO adopted policies and procedures related to Spheres of Influence on
February 5, 2004.
1.4 Description of Public Participation Process
The LAFCO proceedings are subject to the provisions of California’s open meeting law,
the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 et seq.) The Brown Act
requires advance posting of meeting agendas and contains various other provisions
designed to ensure that the public has adequate access to information regarding the
proceedings of public boards and commissions. Colusa LAFCO complies with the
requirements of the Brown Act.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
SOI policies have been adopted by the Colusa LAFCO. Colusa LAFCO has discussed
and considered the SOI process in open session, and has adopted a schedule for
completing the various municipal service reviews and sphere of influence updates for
Colusa County. Each Sphere of Influence will be prepared as a draft, and will be subject
to public and agency comment prior to final consideration by the Colusa LAFCO.
1.5 Possible Approaches to the Sphere of Influence
LAFCO may recommend government reorganizations to particular agencies in the
county, using the SOIs as the basis for those recommendations. Based on review of the
guidelines of Colusa LAFCO as well as other LAFCOs in the State, various conceptual
approaches have been identified from which to choose in designating an SOI. These
seven approaches are explained below:
1) Coterminous Sphere:
A Coterminous Sphere means that the Sphere of Influence for a city or special
district that is the same as its existing boundaries.
2) Annexable Sphere:
A sphere larger than the agency’s boundaries identifies areas the agency is
expected to annex. The annexable area is outside its boundaries and inside the
sphere.
3) Detachable Sphere:
A sphere that is smaller than the agency’s boundaries identifies areas the
agency is expected to detach. The detachable area is the area within the agency
bounds but not within its sphere.
4) Zero Sphere:
A zero sphere indicates the affected agency’s public service functions should be
reassigned to another agency and the agency should be dissolved or combined
with one or more other agencies.
5) Consolidated Sphere:
A consolidated sphere includes two or more local agencies and indicates the
agencies should be consolidated into one agency.
6) Limited Service Sphere:
A limited service sphere is the territory included within the SOI of a multi-service
provider agency that is also within the boundary of a limited purpose district
which provides the same service (e.g., fire protection), but not all needed
services. Territory designated as a limited service SOI may be considered for
annexation to the limited purpose agency without detachment from the multi-
service provider.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
The limited service sphere SOI is generally adopted when the following conditions exist:
a) The limited service provider is providing adequate, cost effective and efficient
services,
b) The multi-service agency is the most logical provider of the other services,
c) There is no feasible or logical SOI alternative, and
d) Inclusion of the territory is in the best interests of local government organization and
structure in the area.
Government Code §56001 specifically recognizes that in rural areas it may be
appropriate to establish limited purpose agencies to serve an area rather than a single
service provider, if multiple limited purpose agencies are better able to provide efficient
services to an area rather than one service district.
Moreover, Government Code Section §56425(i), governing sphere determinations, also
authorizes a sphere for less than all of the services provided by a district by requiring a
district affected by a sphere action to “establish the nature, location, and extent of any
functions of classes of services provided by existing districts” recognizing that more than
one district may serve an area and that a given district may provide less than its full
range of services in an area.
7) Sphere Planning Area:
LAFCO may choose to designate a sphere planning area to signal that it
anticipates expanding an agency’s SOI in the future to include territory not yet
within its official SOI.
1.6 SOI Update Process
LAFCO is required to establish SOIs for all local agencies and enact policies to promote
the logical and orderly development of areas within the SOIs. Furthermore, LAFCO
must update those SOIs every five years. In updating the SOI, LAFCO is required to
conduct a municipal service review (MSR) and adopt related determinations. Information
contained in this Sphere of Influence Update is only current as of the date of adoption.
This report identifies preliminary SOI policy alternatives and recommends the SOI option
for each of the three park and recreation districts. Development of actual SOI updates
will involve additional steps, including opportunity for public input at a LAFCO public
hearing, and consideration and changes made by Commissioners.
LAFCO must notify affected agencies 21 days before holding a public hearing to
consider the SOI and may not update the SOI until after that hearing. The LAFCO
Executive Officer must issue a report including recommendations on the SOI
amendments and updates under consideration at least five days before the public
hearing.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
1.7 SOI Amendments and CEQA
LAFCO has the discretion to limit SOI updates to those that it may process without
unnecessarily delaying the SOI update process or without requiring its funding agencies
to bear the costs of environmental studies associated with SOI expansions. Any local
agency or individual may file a request for an SOI amendment. The request must state
the nature of and reasons for the proposed amendment, and provide a map depicting
the proposal.
LAFCO may require the requester to pay a fee to cover LAFCO costs, including the
costs of appropriate environmental review under CEQA. LAFCO may elect to serve as
lead agency for such a review, may designate the proposing agency as lead agency, or
both the local agency and LAFCO may serve as co-lead agencies for purposes of an
SOI amendment.
Local agencies are encouraged to consult with LAFCO staff early in the process
regarding the most appropriate approach for the particular SOI amendment under
consideration.
Certain types of SOI amendments are likely exempt from CEQA review. Examples are
SOI expansions that include territory already within the bounds or service area of an
agency, SOI reductions, and zero SOIs.
SOI expansions for limited purpose agencies that provide services (e.g., fire protection,
levee protection, cemetery, and resource conservation) needed by both rural and urban
areas are typically not considered growth-inducing and are likely exempt from CEQA.
Similarly, SOI expansions for districts serving rural areas (e.g., irrigation water) are
typically not considered growth-inducing.
Remy et al. write
In City of Agoura Hills v. Local Agency Formation Commission (2d Dist.1988) 198
Cal.App.3d480, 493-496 [243 Cal.Rptr.740] (City of Agoura Hills), the court held that a
LAFCO’s decision to approve a city’s sphere of influence that in most respects was
coterminous with the city’s existing municipal boundaries was not a “project” because
such action did not entail any potential effects on the physical environment.1
Since the recommendation is to keep the Sphere of Influence for the Park and
Recreation Districts the same as the Boundary of the District there will be no
environmental impacts from the adoption of the Sphere and no environmental document
is required.
1 Remy, Michael H., Tina A. Thomas, James G. Moose, Whitman F. Manley, Guide to CEQA, Solano Press Books, Point
Arena, CA, February 2007, page 111.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
2 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR ARBUCKLE PARK AND RECREATION
DISTRICT
The Sphere of Influence for the Arbuckle Park and Recreation District in Colusa County
will stay the same as the present boundary of the District.
2.1 Land Use
2.1.1 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Arbuckle Area, Including
Agricultural and Open Space Lands
Colusa County is in the process of revising its General Plan. Since the Arbuckle Park
and Recreation District includes land surrounding the Arbuckle PUD as well as land
within the Arbuckle PUD areas of growth will be within the Arbuckle Park and Recreation
District. The District has a special assessment for various types of development so the
District should be able to maintain financial stability with any of the General Plan
choices.
4.1.2 SOI Determinations Present and Planned Land Use for Arbuckle Park and
Recreation District
1-1] The Sphere of Influence for the Arbuckle Park and Recreation District will be the
same as the District Boundary.
1-2] There are no conflicts with the Arbuckle Park and Recreation District and existing
or proposed land uses in the area.
1-3] If the Arbuckle Park and Recreation District proposes an annexation or
detachment in the future a revised Municipal Service Review and Sphere of
Influence will be required.
2.2. Municipal Services: Present Need
2.2.1 Service Need for Arbuckle Park and Recreation District
The lands within the Arbuckle Park and Recreation District need the services that are
provided. Arbuckle has benefitted from the Park and Recreation District from the start.
The community has worked together to form, fund, and operate the District.
2.2.2 SOI Determinations for Facilities and Services Probable Need for Arbuckle
Park and Recreation District
2-1] The people within the Arbuckle Park and Recreation District are relatively young
and have few resources to provide recreation opportunities on a private basis.
2-2] The Arbuckle Park and Recreation District makes a valuable contribution to
Arbuckle by providing a way for the town and rural community to work together.
2-3] Recreation opportunities are a proven method to combat crime and increase
educational achievement.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
2.3 Public Facilities Future Capacity
2.3.1 Facilities and Capacity
The Arbuckle Park and Recreation District has the following facilities:2
Balfour Park, 10th and Hall Street, 5.70 acres
KIA Memorial Park, 5th and Hall Streets 0.81 acres
Lavanch Hursh Park, 5th and Hall Streets 0.44 acres
Wee Park, Old Highway 99 and Hillgate Road 1.45 acres
Total 8.40 acres
The facilities and capacity of the Arbuckle Park and Recreation District are adequate
considering that the District was formed in 2007. The District is meeting the needs of the
community and uniting the agricultural area and the town of Arbuckle in a common
cause.
2.3.2 SOI Determinations for Public Facilities Present and Future Capacity for
Arbuckle Park and Recreation District
3-1] The Arbuckle Park and Recreation District has adequate facilities and will
increase capacity as the District gains experience.
2.4 Social or Economic Communities of Interest
2.4.1 Arbuckle Park and Recreation District
Arbuckle is clearly a separate community both socially and economically. The
community is not an incorporated city but needs all the services including park and
recreation service. The advantage of a separate Park and Recreation District is that the
larger community can be included and that the special assessment collected must be
used only for parks and recreation.
2.4.2 SOI Determinations for Social or Economic Communities of Interest for
Arbuckle Park and Recreation District
4-1] The Arbuckle Park and Recreation District serves the larger community of
Arbuckle and is a source of community pride.
2 “Arbuckle Parks and Recreation District Engineer’s Report, July 2007”, SCI Consulting Group, 4745 Mangels Boulevard,
Fairfield, CA 94534, PH: 707.430.4300, Fax: 707.430.4319, www.sci-cg.com, Page 1.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
3 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR MAXWELL PARK AND RECREATION
DISTRICT
The Sphere of Influence for the Maxwell Park and Recreation District in Colusa County
will stay the same as the present boundary of the District.
3.1 Land Use
3.1.1 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Maxwell Area, Including Agricultural
and Open Space Lands
Colusa County is in the process of revising the General Plan. The Maxwell Park and
Recreation District includes land surrounding the Maxwell PUD as well as land within the
PUD so any lands proposed for development will be included in the Park and Recreation
District.
3.1.2 SOI Determinations Present and Planned Land Use for Maxwell Park and
Recreation District
1-1] The Sphere of Influence for the Maxwell Park and Recreation District will be the
same as the District Boundary.
1-2] There are no conflicts with the Maxwell Park and Recreation District and existing
or proposed land uses in the area.
1-3] If the Maxwell Park and Recreation District proposes an annexation or
detachment in the future a revised Municipal Service Review and Sphere of
Influence will be required.
3.2. Municipal Services: Present Need
3.2.1 Service Need for Maxwell Park and Recreation District
There is a need for the Maxwell Park and Recreation District but the District has been
unable to meet the need for the past two years. The District may have to look into
providing other types of recreation instead of operating the High School pool or work
with another agency to prepare a grant application for the necessary repairs.
3.2.2 SOI Determinations for Facilities and Services Probable Need for Maxwell
Park and Recreation District
2-1] Although the Maxwell Park and Recreation District is needed, no pool services
have been provided for 2009 or 2010. The district is sponsoring other
recreational activities such as a winter basketball league
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
3.3 Public Facilities Future Capacity
3.3.1 Facilities and Capacity
The Maxwell Park and Recreation District has no facilities and limited capacity at this
time. The District does have a special assessment that could be used to provide for
limited recreation programs.
3.3.2 SOI Determinations for Public Facilities Present and Future Capacity for
Maxwell Park and Recreation District
3-1] The District should be maintained and supported so that recreational
opportunities in Maxwell can be developed.
3.4 Social or Economic Communities of Interest
3.4.1 Maxwell Park and Recreation District
Maxwell is a separate community both socially and economically. The community is not
an incorporated city but needs all the services including park and recreation service. The
advantage of a separate Park and Recreation District is that the larger community can
be included and that the special assessment collected must be used only for parks and
recreation.
3.4.2 SOI Determinations for Social or Economic Communities of Interest for
Maxwell Park and Recreation District
4-1] The Maxwell Park and Recreation District serves the larger community of
Maxwell.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
4 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE FOR STONYFORD PARK AND RECREATION
DISTRICT
The Sphere of Influence for the Stonyford Park and Recreation District in Colusa County
will stay the same as the present boundary of the District.
4.1 Land Use
4.1.1 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Stonyford Area, Including
Agricultural and Open Space Lands
The Stonyford Park and Recreation District includes the area around Stonyford as well
as the area within CSA 2 and benefits all residents of the area.
4.1.2 SOI Determinations Present and Planned Land Use for Stonyford Park and
Recreation District
1-1] The Sphere of Influence for the Stonyford Park and Recreation District will be the
same as the District Boundary.
1-2] There are no conflicts with the Stonyford Park and Recreation District and
existing or proposed land uses in the area.
1-3] If the Stonyford Park and Recreation District proposes an annexation or
detachment in the future a revised Municipal Service Review and Sphere of
Influence will be required.
4.2. Municipal Services: Present Need
4.2.1 Service Need for Stonyford Park and Recreation District
There is a need for the Stonyford Park and Recreation District. The baseball fields
provided for the community provide a recreational opportunity for the community.
4.2.2 SOI Determinations for Facilities and Services Probable Need for District
2-1] The Stonyford Park and Recreation District was originally funded with a grant but
has received no subsequent funding. The facilities are used by residents.
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
4.3 Public Facilities Future Capacity
4.3.1 Facilities and Capacity
The facilities and capacity of the Stonyford Park and Recreation District are appropriate
for a small community.
4.3.2 SOI Determinations for Public Facilities Present and Future Capacity for
Stonyford Park and Recreation District
3-1] Because the growth of Stonyford is limited there is no need to change the sphere
or boundary of the Stonyford Park and Recreation District.
4.4 Social or Economic Communities of Interest
4.4.1 Stonyford Park and Recreation District
Stonyford is a separate community both socially and economically. The community is not
able to grown but hopes to maintain itself at the present level.
4.4.2 SOI Determinations for Social or Economic Communities of Interest for
Stonyford Park and Recreation District
4-1] The Stonyford Park and Recreation District serves the larger community of
Stonyford and is a source of community pride.
REFERENCES
“Arbuckle Parks and Recreation District Engineer’s Report, July 2007”, SCI Consulting
Group, 4745 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534, Phone: 707.430.4300, Fax:
707.430.4319, www.sci-cg.com, Page 1.
PREPARERS
Colusa LAFCO, John Benoit, Executive Officer
PO Box 2694, Granite Bay CA 95746
Phone: 916-797-6003 johnbenoit@surewest.net
Christy Leighton, Planning Consultant
555 East Willow Street, Willows CA 95988
Phone: 530-934-4597 christyleighton@sbcglobal.net
ChicoMapWorks
333 Main Street, Suite 200
Chico CA 95928
Phone: 530-345-0755 jstolen@chicomapworks.com
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011
MAP
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Colusa Park and Recreation Districts
Sphere of Influence- Adopted
Resolution 2010-0011 Jan 27, 2011