Resolution No. 2004-074 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California

RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL CONSERVANCY, THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARK SYSTEM, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM OF REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE ON SONOMA MOUNTAIN

WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has owned Lafferty Ranch, a 270 acre property located near the crest of Sonoma Mountain, since 1959; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has for many years endeavored to open Lafferty Ranch for public use as a low-impact park with hiking trails; and,

WHEREAS, there exist on Sonoma Mountain other opportunities to create a larger network of parkland and trails of regional significance more appropriate for development, ownership and management by the California State Parks system; and,

WHEREAS, these opportunities include the generous offer of Bonnie Mitsui of a trail easement across her mountain top ranch if certain conditions can be achieved; and,

WHEREAS, it would be regional benefit if the California Coastal Conservancy and the California State Parks system were to acquire and develop a more extensive park system with unsupervised access on Sonoma Mountain than that within the abilities of the City of Petaluma; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma would only be interested in selling Lafferty Ranch to the State for inclusion in such a larger park system, as an alternative to the City's plans to open Lafferty as a stand-alone municipal park without linkages to other trails or parks; and,

WHEREAS, if talks with the State of California become serious, the possible surplusing of Lafferty Ranch would be the subject of a public process including at least one public hearing before a decision to sell Lafferty Ranch to the State would be made.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Petaluma encourages the California Coastal Conservancy, the Califomia State Park system, and local government officials to work together to create a park and trail system of regional significance on Sonoma Mountain.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Council will appoint a subcommittee to discuss better cooperation with the County of Sonoma regarding potential parkland development in the South County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City Council salutes Bonnie Mitsui for her generous offer of comprising some 1.4 miles of trail corridor in one of the most beautiful settings at the top of Sonoma Mountain.

 

Under the power and authority conferred up[on this Council by the Charter of said City.

REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the council of the City of Petaluma at a (Regular) (Adjourned) (Special) meeting on the ........3 rd .............day of ........May................2004, by the following vote:

AYES: Mayor Glass, Healy, Thompson, Torliatt

NOES: Harris, Vice Mayor Moynihan, O'Brien

ABSENT: None

ATTEST: Gayle Peterson, City Clerk........David Glass, Mayor

Res. No ...2004-074 ... N.C.S.