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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - APPROVAL OF REAL PROPTY ACQUSITION OF 102 +/- ACRE (2)0 Agenda Item: 5 P CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:1 DATE: September 8, 2020 SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION OF 102 +/- ACRES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, ASSESSORS PARCEL NOS. 3211-015-009, 3211-016-025, -026, AND -031 DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Community Services PRESENTER: Janine Prado RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council: 1. Approve the purchase of 102 +/- acres of real property contiguous to City -owned property for open space preservation in the Eastern Greenbelt, Assessor's Parcel Numbers 3211-015-009, 3211-016-025, -026, and -031 at a total cost of $345,700, which includes the property purchase price of $290,700, $20,000 for title, escrow, due diligence costs, and $35,000 for improvements. 2. Appropriate $310,700 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 12592-5201.004 for the purchase of the property and due diligence costs. 3. Appropriate $35,000 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 12592-5201.008 for gates, fencing, signage, and improvements. 4. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire the property and to execute all documents needed for the purchase of this property, subject to City Attorney approval. BACKGROUND The subject property is located in the Soledad Canyon area and is part of the Conservation Area Protection Plan (CAPP), which recognizes this wildlife corridor as a critical missing link in the Angeles National Forest. The subject property is also contiguous to City of Santa Clarita-owned Page 1 Packet Pg. 28 0 open space property in the Eastern Greenbelt. Staff identified this property several years ago because of its connection to the Angeles National Forest, its proximity to other City open space areas, and the potential for future trail connections. The total cost of the property acquisition is $310,700. This includes the $290,700 purchase price and $20,000 for title, escrow, and due diligence costs. The purchase price is $2,850 per acre and is within the price range of previous open space acquisitions. Additionally, $35,000 is being appropriated for property improvements including gates, fencing, and signage. This acquisition follows the mission of the Open Space Preservation District. The proposed acquisition has been reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is exempt under CEQA guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition for conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and existing natural conditions. Any subsequent or proposed changes in the use or condition of the property will be subject to CEQA guidelines. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Other action as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT Upon approval of the recommended action, the budget will be adjusted accordingly, $310,700 will be appropriated from the Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Expenditure Account 12592-5201.004 for the purchase of the property and due diligence costs and $35,000 will be appropriated to Expenditure Account 12592-5201.008 for gates, fencing, signage, and improvements. ATTACHMENTS Property Location Map Page 2 Packet Pg. 29