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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09211999 - D3 D3 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORSContm s� L FROM: AD HOC COMMITTEE --- COSUSupervisor John Gioia °`• "�an�a�'�" „ :,s Supervisor Donna Gerber ''�o = ,. sT- County a covx''t DATE: September 21 , 1999 SUBJECT: OUTCOMES OF POLLING ON POTENTIAL QUALITY OF LIFE SALES TAX MEASURE FOR LIBRARIES, OPEN SPACE, AND ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1) DETERMINE that the rapid schedule requested by the Board for polling on the proposed Quality of Life sales tax measure prevented the polling consultants from completing and distributing a report on polling outcomes 96 hours in advance of this meeting; WAIVE the Better Government Ordinance time limits; and ACCEPT report on polling outcomes. 2) DETERMINE course of action on sales tax measure(s) and SCHEDULE any necessary public hearings on this matter. FISCAL IMPACT None. BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS On August 17, 1999, the Board of Supervisors authorized an Ad Hoc Committee composed of Supervisors Gioia and Gerber to investigate public opinion on raising funds for libraries, open space, and economic revitalization through a proposed 1/4 cent "Quality of Life" sales tax measure. On August 24, the Ad Hoc Committee met CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE: _ RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR_ RECOMMEND OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHE SIGNATURE(S): cifA Sup r isor John Gioia Sui2ervisor nna Gerber ACTION OF BOARD bA S E P T 14, 19 9 9 APPROVED AS 411WOMMONDke OTHER x x SEE ADDENDUM FOR BOARD ACTION VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT none TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. Contact: John Kopchik, CDD (335-1227) ATTESTED SEPTEMBER 21 , 1999 Orig: Community Development Department PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF cc: CAO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS County Counsel AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Public Works Flood ControlBY 7 DEPUTY Redevelopment Agency Department of Agriculture County Librarian SACONSERV\JOHN\OSQTRCEN.BO REPOFIT FROM AD HOC COMMITTEE REGARDING POLLING FOR QUALITY OF LIFE SALES TAX PROPOSAL September 21, 1999 Page 2 to further discuss the matter and solicit input on the proposed Quality of Life measure and the related polling from those in attendance, including individuals interested in libraries, open space, and economic revitalization. The firm retained to conduct the polling, the Center for Community Opinion, attended the meeting and explained their proposed approach. The consultant conducted the polling over the weekend of September 11 and into Tuesday, September 14. The questionnaire used and a summary of the polling outcomes are attached. The report on polling outcomes could not be submitted 96 hours in advance of the September 21 meeting. The polling consultant had to rush to compile this detailed information within the week which has elapsed since the polling was conducted, and it was not possible to have these materials available 96 hours in advance. Likewise, since the Board authorized this polling on August 17 and since several weeks were required for the polling consultants to research the issues and draft the questionnaire, it was not possible to conduct the polling before the weekend of September 11 and 12. Attachments: • Questionnaire used in polling SAC0NSERV\J0HN\0SQTRCEN.B0 ADDENDUM TO ITEM D.3 September 21, 1999 On this date, the Board of Supervisors considered a report from the Ad Hoc Committee (Supervisors Gerber and Gioia) regarding the Board's desire to place a measure on the ballot in 2000 related to increasing the sales tax for libraries, open space and economic revitalization. The following persons presented testimony: Herman Bleckson, Vice Mayor, Hercules; Vice Mayor Vigil, City Council, City of San Pablo; Amy Worth, 304 L Espiral, Orinda City Council; Erling Horn, Mayor, City of Lafayette, 1029 Windsor Drive, Lafayette; Maria Alegria, Mayor, City of Pinole; Gwen Regalia, Mayor, City of Walnut Creek, 1950 Whitecliff Court, Walnut Creek; Kathy Hicks, City of Walnut Creek, 74 Amberwood Lane, Walnut Creek; John Connors, Town of Moraga, 1581 Moraga Way, Moraga; Jonothan Dumas, EEO Advisory, 41 Carter Court, El Sobrante; Alan Smith, 4823 Boxer Boulevard, Concord; Alice Barham, 843 Avalon Avenue, Lafayette; Mary Ann Hoisington, Friends of Lafayette Library, 959 Hawthorne Drive, Lafayette; Kagey Dorosz, West County Senior Coalition, 1015 Nevin#102, Richmond; Lesley Rosselli, American Land Conservancy, 456 Montgomery#1450, San Francisco; Tom Mooers, Greenbelt Alliance, 1372 N. Main Street#203, Walnut Creek; Gerry Keenan, Save Mount Diablo, 1156 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek; Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo, 1196 Boulevard Way 410, Walnut Creek; Sandra Falk, Local One &the San Pablo Friends of the Library; Walt Lautenberger, 3979 S. Peardale Drive, Lafayette; John Wolfe, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, 820 Main Street, Martinez; Carroll Beard, Friends of Pinole Library, 2614 Heney Avenue, Pinole; Anne Grodin, Lafayette City Council, Lamorinda Library Region Board, Lafayette Library Vision 2000 Committee, 2 Mountain View Lane, Lafayette; The following person did not wish to speak but left written comments for the Board to consider: Karen Maggio, Lafayette Library Task Force, 857 McEllen Way, Lafayette. Following further discussion, the Board took the following actions: 1. DETERMINED that the rapid schedule requested by the Board for polling on the proposed Quality of Life sales tax measure prevented the polling consultants from completing and distributing a report on polling outcomes 96 hours in advance of the Board meeting; 2. WAIVED the Better Government Ordinance time limits; 3. ACCEPTED the report on polling outcomes; 4. DECLARED intent of the Board of Supervisors to place a measure on the November 2000 ballot for a 1/8¢ sales tax increase for eight years for library funding; 5. DIRECTED staff to prepare appropriate documents for Board consideration; 6. REFERRED polling results to the Ad Hoc Committee for additional analysis and future recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and implementation of strategies regarding the issues of open space and economic revitalization; 7. DIRECTED continuation of dialogue on a parallel track with the City/County Relations Committee process on Quality of Life. Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey I would like to begin by asking your opinion about how the County spends tax dollars. Assume for a moment that the County is about to decide how much it will spend in three budget areas. For each of the following,how important is it that the County spend more than it currently is spending in each of these areas. Use a scale where a 5 means that it is extremely important and a I means it is not at all important. 1. Spending funds to improve library services. 5 Extremely important 4 3 2 1 Not important at all 0 DK/REFUSED 2. Spending funds to protect Open Space from development. 5 Extremely important 4 3 2 1 Not important at all 0 DK/REFUSED 3. Spending funds to promote economic revitalization. 5 Extremely important 4 3 2 1 Not important at all 0 DK/REFUSED 4.The County may place a measure on the ballot next year that would increase the sales tax to raise the funds needed to improve local library services. Would you favor or oppose such a proposal? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 Undecided 4 REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion--Page 1 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey I am going to read some statements about the proposed sales tax increase to improve library services. Please tell me whether the information in each statement would make you more likely or less likely to support the proposed sales tax increase. More Less No DK Likely Likely Difference 5A. Almost half of the books borrowed from county 1 2 3 4 libraries are children's books. The libraries provide school-aged children with many of the books and materials they need to complete homework assignments. 5B.Almost half of the books borrowed from county 1 2 3 4 libraries are children's books. The county libraries are the only ones that specifically serve the needs of pre- school children. 6[FOR SCH—DIST=FF.OR. SCH—DIST=GG]. Additional funds would be used to keep all libraries in 1 2 3 4 the county open a minimum of 54 hours a week. 6. [FOR SCH—DIST NOT FF.OR. GG]Additional funds would be used to keep all libraries in the county open a minimum of 48 hours a week. Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion Page 2 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey I am going to read some statements about the proposed sales tax increase to improve library services. Please tell me whether the information in each statement would make you more likely or less likely to support the proposed sales tax increase. More Less No DK Likely Likely Difference 7A. The tax increase would raise$11 million per year 1 2 3 4 for library services. 7B. The County library system ranks next to last in 1 2 3 4 the Bay Area in spending on library services. The tax increase would raise$11 million per year and bring library spending in the county closer to the average. 8. [ASK IF ASKQ 11 ="Y"]The use of all additional funds will be reviewed by regional boards made up of 1 2 3 4 local community leaders. 9A.Additional funds will allow the library to double the size of the summer reading program for children throughout the County. 1 2 3 4 9B.Additional funds will allow the library to expand adult literacy programs. 2 3 4 10.This year,the library is using funds from a one- time grant to make sure that every second grader in the County gets a library card. Additional funds 1 2 3 4 would allow the library to repeat this program every year. Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion Page 3 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 11.Now that you have heard some information about the proposed sales tax increase to improve library services,I want to see if this information has changed your opinion. Would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed to improve local library services? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 12A Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay for improved library services. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed to improve local library services? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 128.Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay for improved library services-this means that individuals will pay an extra$1.25 for every$1,000 they spend. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed to improve local library services? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 13. Assume for a moment that the voters in the County have approved a sales tax increase for the libraries. If the decision were yours to make,for how many years would you allow the County to collect this sales tax increase? DK 14.A statewide bond proposal for library construction may be placed on the same ballot as a local sales tax increase to improve County library services. If both of these proposals were placed on the same ballot,which of the following best describes what you would do: 1 Vote for both 2 Vote only for the sales tax increase 3 Vote only for the state library bond 4 Vote against both 5 DK/REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:IMe Center for Community Opinion--Page 4 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 15.Do you or does anyone in your household visit any of the public libraries in the County at least once every month or more often? 1 Yes 2 No 3 DK/REFUSED I am going to read two statements. After you listen to each statement,I want you to tell me whether you strongly agree,agree,disagree or strongly disagree with the statement. Strongly Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Disagree DK 16A.I would never support an 1 2 3 4 5 increase in the sales tax no matter how the county plans to spend the money. 16B.Because the state has a large 1 2 3 4 5 budget surplus,local taxes should not be increased for any reason. 17.The County Board of Supervisors can be trusted to 1 2 3 4 5 spend additional tax revenue wisely. 18.The County also faces a number of other needs. In addition to the libraries,the County is considering a proposal that would increase the sales tax to raise the funds needed to preserve Open Space from development,restore creeks and improve trails throughout the County. If it were on the ballot by itself,would you favor or oppose such an Open Space proposal? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 Undecided 4 REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Comuniq Opinion--Page 5 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey I am going to read some statements about the proposed sales tax increase for Open Space. Please tell me whether the information in each statement would make you more likely or less likely to support the proposed sales tax increase. More Less No DK Likely Likely Difference 19.Funds raised by a local sales tax will enable the 1 2 3 4 County to obtain matching funds to preserve open space both from private foundations and from the state and federal governments. 20A.Funds will be used to purchase undeveloped land 1 2 3 4 in order to limit growth. 20B.Funds will be used to purchase Open Space in 1 2 3 4 order to limit growth. 21.Community-based advisory groups will review all 1 2 3 4 Open Space expenditures. 22A.Funds will be used to restore creeks in the 1 2 3 4 County. 22B.Funds will be used to protect creeks in the 1 2 3 4 County. 23A.Funds will be used to preserve important 1 2 3 4 ridgelines in the County. 23B.Funds will be used to protect the best farmland 1 2 3 4 and orchards in the county from development. 24A.Funds will be used to maintain and expand trails in the County. 1 2 3 4 24B.Funds will be used to improve and expand trails in the County. 1 2 3 4 25. Funds could be used in your area... {specifics of this question will change according to home address 1 2 3 4 of respondent-see Appendix A}. Final Draft: September 10, 1999:ne Center for Comoniq Opinion Page 6 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 26.Now that you have heard some information about the proposed sales tax increase to preserve Open Space,I want to see if this information has changed your opinion. Would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed to preserve Open Space throughout the County? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 27A Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay to preserve Open Space. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to preserve Open Space from development? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 27B.Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay to preserve Open Space-this means that individuals will pay an extra$1.25 for every$1,000 they spend. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed to preserve Open Space from development? I Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 28.We have talked up to this point about separate proposals concerning libraries and Open Space.The County could combine these proposals and place only one measure on the ballot. If the County placed one proposal on the ballot to increase the sales tax in order to raise the funds needed both to improve library services and to preserve Open Space,would you favor or oppose such a combined proposal? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 DK/REFUSED 29A Let me add one additional fact. Such a combined proposal would increase the sales tax by 1/4th of a cent and raise equal amounts of money for library services and to preserve Open Space. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose such an increase in the sales tax? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 29B.Let me add one additional fact. Such a combined proposal would increase the sales tax by 1/4th of a cent-this means that individuals will pay an extra$2.50 for every$1,000 they spend.This will raise equal amounts of money for library services and to preserve Open Space. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose such an increase in the sales tax? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion--Page 7 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 30.1 would like your opinion about one more issue. The County is considering a proposal that would increase the sales tax to raise the funds needed to promote economic revitalization within existing older urban neighborhoods. If it were on the ballot by itself,would you favor or oppose such a proposal? I Favor 2 Oppose 3 Undecided 4 REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Comuniq Opinion--Page 8 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey I am going to read some statements about the proposed sales tax increase to promote economic revitalization. Please tell me whether the information in each statement would make you more likely or less likely to support the proposed sales tax increase, More Less No DK Likely Likely Difference 31.Funds will be used to improve economic opportunities 1 2 3 4 within existing older urban neighborhoods. 32A.Funds would be used to create affordable housing 1 2 3 4 for working families within existing older urban neighborhoods. 32B.Funds would be used to create affordable housing 1 2 3 4 for senior citizens and first-time homebuyers. 33A.Funds will be used to convert economically 1 2 3 4 distressed shopping centers to more productive uses. 33B.Funds will be used to develop new housing on 1 2 3 4 vacant lots within existing older urban neighborhoods. 34A.Funds would be used to develop a combination of 1 2 3 4 senior housing,retail space and community health and social services. 34B.Funds would be used to develop a combination of 1 2 3 4 affordable housing,retail and office space near BART stations. 35.Funds from the tax increase would be used to match 1 2 3 4 available state,federal and private funds in order to fund economic revitalization projects. 36.Promoting economic revitalization and growth within 1 2 3 4 existing older urban neighborhoods prevents uncontrolled growth elsewhere in the County. Fi nal Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion Page 9 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 37.Now that you have heard some information about the proposed sales tax increase to promote economic revitalization I want to see if this information has changed your opinion. Would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed to promote economic revitalization within existing older urban neighborhoods? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 38A.Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay for economic revitalization. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed for economic revitalization? I Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 38B.Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay for economic revitalization-this means that individuals will pay an extra$1.25 for every$1,000 they spend. Knowing this, would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed for economic revitalization? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion--Page 10 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 37.Now that you have heard some information about the proposed sales tax increase to promote economic revitalization I want to see if this information has changed your opinion. Would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed to promote economic revitalization within existing older urban neighborhoods? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 38A.Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay for economic revitalization. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed for economic revitalization? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 38B.Let me add one additional fact. The sales tax would be increased by 1/8th of a cent to pay for economic revitalization-this means that individuals will pay an extra$1.25 for every$1,000 they spend. Knowing this, would you favor or oppose an increase in the sales tax to raise the funds needed for economic revitalization? I Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion--Page 10 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 39.Again,the County could combine some of these proposals and place one measure on the ballot.If the County placed one proposal on the ballot to increase the sales tax in order to raise the funds needed both to provide for additional Open Space and to promote economic revitalization,would you favor or oppose such a proposal? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 DK/REFUSED 40. Do you have children attending a local public school? 1 Yes 2 No 3 REFUSED 41. 1 am going to read a final statement about the proposed sales tax increase being considered by the County. Please listen to it carefully. The quality of library services,the environment around us and the strength of our economy all have a direct impact on the quality of life in this county. Next year,County voters can increase the sales tax by one-fourth of a cent and raise the funds needed to address all three of these issues. The funds raised will be used to improve library services by extending library hours and buying more books. The funds will be used to preserve Open Space from development,restore creeks and improve trails throughout the County. These funds will also be used to promote economic revitalization in existing communities thereby helping to slow development elsewhere in the County. By addressing all of these issues in one ballot proposal,voters can improve the quality of life for everyone in the County. Thinking about this statement,would you favor or oppose a one-quarter cent sales tax increase that will raise funds to improve library services,preserve Open Space and provide for economic revitalization? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 REFUSED 42. Normally,a tax increase must be approved by a two-thirds majority. A combined proposal could be structured so that it only requires approval by 50%of the voters. If the County placed a proposal on the ballot to increase the sales tax by one-fourth of a cent and structured it so that it could be approved by a simple majority,would you favor or oppose the proposal? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 DK/REFUSED Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion--Page 11 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey 43A.Let me add one additional fact. The only taxes that can be increased by a simple majority cannot be dedicated to library services,Open Space and economic revitalization. Voters would be asked to approve a second ballot measure directing the County Supervisors to spend money in these areas. The Supervisors could then pass a resolution pledging to follow the will of the voters. The funds raised by the tax increase,however,would be put into the County's general fund and every year the Board of Supervisors would have to act to spend these dollars only on libraries,Open Space and economic revitalization. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose a proposal to increase the sales tax structured so that it only requires a simple majority to win approval? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 DK/REFUSED 43B.Let me add one additional fact. The only taxes that can be increased by a simple majority cannot provide voters with a guarantee that the funds will be spent only for library services,Open Space and economic revitalization. The funds raised would be put into the County's general fund and the Board of Supervisors would have to vote each year to spend these dollars only on libraries,Open Space and economic revitalization. Knowing this,would you favor or oppose a proposal to increase the sales tax structured so that it only requires a simple majority to win approval? 1 Favor 2 Oppose 3 UNDECIDED 4 DK/REFUSED Thank you for your time this evening/afternoon/morning. Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion--Page 12 Contra Costa Library/Open Space/Econ Community Survey Appendix A Area specific content for Q25:Funds in your area could be used to: FOR SCH DIST=AA: Funds in your area could be used to protect the County's best farmlands near Brentwood by purchasing development rights from those willing to sell them. FOR SCH DIST=BB: Funds in your area could be used to purchase open space and development rights in the hills around growing cities in East County FOR SCH DIST=CC: Funds in your area could be used to acquire and protect the scenic ridgelines which encircle Central County,including land near Lime Ridge FOR SCH DIST=DD: Funds in your area could be used to acquire and protect scenic lands in the hills west of Martinez,including lands near the John Muir House and the high school FOR SCH DIST=EE:Funds in your area could be used to acquire and protect the scenic ridgelines which encircle Central County,including land near Lime Ridge FOR SCH DIST=FF OR. SCH—DIST=GG: Funds in your area could be used to acquire development rights for a buffer area in Tassajara Valley to prevent development. FOR SCH DIST=HH: Funds in your area could be used to acquire and protect scenic ridgelines and to expand and improve the public trail network. FOR SCH DIST=II:Funds in your area could be used to acquire and protect scenic ridgelines and to provide more parkland and open space. FOR SCH DIST=JJ: Funds in your area could be used to enhance creeks in the Richmond area and to provide more parkland and open space. FOR SCH DIST=KK: Funds in your area could be used to provide more public parks and access along the shore of the Bay and support completion of the Bay Trail Final Draft: September 10, 1999:The Center for Community Opinion--Page 13 REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM ' (THREE (3)MINUTE LIMIT) ,3 Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers rostrum before addressing the Board. Name: Phone 5 T— Address: e:5 City: I am speaking for myself or organization: (name of organization) CHECK ONE: I wish to speak on Agenda Item# Date : ��o�/ ,9 My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of / � .� �✓� _ I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to Consider: