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GENERAL MANAGER Jim Friedl DATE: December 7, 2017 TO: Board of Directors FROM: ,Jim Friedl, General Man SUBJECT: YEAR IN REVIEW 20 RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file 2017 Year -in -Review. BACKGROUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS George M. Lange, Chair Susan L. Holt, Vice Chair Joe Gibson, Director Ed Jones, Director Chuck Huffer, Director GENERAL MANAGER EMERITUS Tex Ward Last year's "Year -in -Review" memo focused on the historic drought that gripped California the preceding five years. During the 2016117 rainy season, enough precipitation fell in the state - especially Northern California - that the Governor declared the drought officially over as we entered Summer 2017. The final three (of 29) turf conversion projects were completed in early 2017 and today ConejoRPD has about 180 irrigated acres of turf (v. 250 acres five years ago). The reduced turf acreage means that annually, ConejoRPD now uses about 60 million less gallons of water imported from Northern California, which not only saves water as a limited resource, but also reduces the demand for energy necessary to pump the water from Northern California to the Conejo Valley. The new, more drought tolerant parks, result in a water cost savings of about $450,000 annually, over what would have been spent if no turf reductions had been made. The water and financial savings are now physically built into our drought -hardened park system. In the coming years, ConejoRPD grounds staff will continue to focus on adding drought tolerant landscaping and trees into turf conversion areas. Although the physical appearance of the parks (and any landscaping changes) may be the most noticeable and familiar way people experience the ConejoRPD, there is quite a bit of other activity. The following bullet point list is a summary of some of the Board's significant actions, projects and accomplishments for 2017 as part of its constant effort to fulfill the District's mission to enrich the quality of life for our community by preserving and enhancing recreational opportunities, parks and open space. 4 Revised Gratitude Circle Program and inducted Doris Granholm into the Gratitude Circle. 10 Updated Custodial Contract. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 403 West Hillcrest Drive - Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-4223 (805) 495-6471 - FAX: (805) 497-3199 - Email: parks@crpd.org • Website: www,crpd.org