Walnut Creek Set to Discus Next Steps For Measure O

On December 6, the Walnut Creek City Council will discuss Measure O updates and next steps for implementing the funding created by the measure.

Staff will provide a general outline of when the City can expect to begin receiving revenue from Measure O and the process to determine use of funding; the process of appointing the Measure O Oversight Committee; and timelines for major infrastructure projects potentially funded by Measure O.

Measure O, a ten-year, half-cent sales tax measure, is estimated to bring in between $11-13 million in Fiscal Year 2023 and can legally be used for any purpose, however, residents provided input on priorities for the spending:

This November, the city asked residents:

To provide funding to maintain and enhance City of Walnut Creek services and facilities, including

• • crime prevention; public safety; disaster preparedness;
  • parks/open space;
  • youth, senior, and arts programs;
  • sustainability initiatives;
  • local business support; downtown improvements;
  • replacing aging recreation, aquatics and community facilities at Heather Farm Park; and other important services and facilities

Shall the City of Walnut Creek levy a half-cent sales tax, providing approximately $11,000,000 annually for 10 years, requiring annual audits, independent citizens’ oversight, and all funds benefiting Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek voters approved the measure on November 8, 2022. As of the writing of this document, 65% of voters supported the measure.

Although the tax will bring in up to $13 million in Fiscal Year 2023, the City Council will likely not be programming and allocating the entirety of Measure O revenue with the adoption of the FY 24-25 budget. Allocation will continue to occur over the next 10 years of the tax through future City budget cycles.

The council will also discuss its Measure O Oversight Committee, which will be a five person committee. The council must adopt a resolution establishing the composition of the committee by July 1, 2023 and shall appoint members by December 31, 2023. The council will go over the formation, its criteria, terms (2 or 4 years), staggering of terms, and recruitment. Staff is proposing appointment by September 2023.

The staff report highlights several aging facilities, including Heather Farm Park. with a modern aquatics and community center and other important facilities and services were included as potential uses for Measure O funds. Other important infrastructure facilities improvements could include installation of sports field lighting at Tice Field and installation of synthetic turf fields at Heather Farm Park.

• 50-meter Lap Pool –  The Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Walnut Creek Aquatics Foundation (WCAF) which includes an agreement by WCAF to contribute $3 million toward the construction of an aquatic facility with a 50-meter lap pool – anticipated completion in 4-5 years.
• Field lighting at Tice Field – The design phase is scheduled for July 2023-January 2024. Construction is estimated to begin in February and conclude in July 2024. The estimated cost of the project is $1.8 million.
• The Heather Farm synthetic turf field project – will replace natural grass at Fields 1 & 2 to allow more play and activity time on fields. The estimated timeline for this project is January 2024 to February 2026 with design of the project beginning in April 2024. Construction would begin in July 2025 and conclude in February 2026. The estimated cost of the project is $5 million.

On December 6, 2022, staff is seeking feedback and direction on the following:

• Development of the Measure O Oversight Committee: Direction to move forward with the
  timeline and process. Feedback on desired qualifications of members and terms for the
  Oversight Committee.
• Your Parks, Your Future Project Manager: Begin the RFP process to hire a consultant
  project manager to oversee the design and construction of replacement facilities as part of the
  Your Parks, Your Future project.
• Other Infrastructure and Facilities improvements: Direction to move forward with both
  the installation of sports field lighting at Tice Field and installation of synthetic turf fields at
  Heather Farm Park based on the timelines provided in this staff report.

In early 2023, additional information and options will be provided to Council regarding the use of Measure O funding and options for public engagement regarding the design of the new Heather Farm Park facilities

Agenda & Staff Reports

• Agenda Report
• ATTACHMENT 1 – APPROVED ORDINANCE
• ATTACHMENT 2 – MEASURE O PROJECT SCHEDULE