HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-11 - AGENDA REPORTS - CAROUSEL RANCH LEASE OPPTY (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDER
DATE: February 11, 2003
City Manager's Approv 1: k'
Item to be presented by: Rick Gould
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF CAROUSEL RANCH LEASE OPPORTUNITY
DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a lease agreement with Carousel
Ranch for the temporary lease of the Rivendale property, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
Carousel Ranch is an organization specializing in therapeutic recreation for youth through
equestrian activities. The organization lost its lease at its long-time location on December
31, 2002. Carousel Ranch has approached the City with a proposal to lease the Rivendale
Property on a temporary (12 to 18 month) basis.
Currently the City owns the Rivendale property and it would be possible to lease the land
to Carousel Ranch. In the past two years the City has leased the property to the Los
Angeles County Fire Department. The property is located within the County of Los Angeles
and the County Office of Regional Planning would be the permitting authority. A
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for Carousel Ranch to occupy the property.
Completing the CUP process through the County could take several months. Carousel
Ranch has contacted Supervisor Antonovich's office for assistance in moving the permit
forward in an expeditious manner.
This item would allow Carousel Ranch to begin the CUP process. Carousel Ranch has
obtained a temporary location for up to six months in order to find a permanent location, or
if unsuccessful in the permanent search, move to Rivendale for up to 18 months while the
search continues.
The temporary facility would consist of:
• A 10 -foot x 20 -foot office trailer
• A 2,500 square -foot stable area
• A small room for storage of equestrian equipment
• A 10 -foot x 20 -foot storage unit
• A clear area measuring approximately 150 feet x 100 feet for riding
Agenda Item : 3
Staff believes the lease should be structured with a "fair market" rate, consistent with
Carousel Ranch's current lease agreement. Staff is currently determining the rate
structure.
Carousel Ranch is currently seeking other locations for permanent occupation. In any lease
agreement entered into, the City remains concerned that the temporary use could become a
long-term use, thus interfering with the eventual master planning of the park site on the
property. Carousel Ranch has agreed in concept to the lease language which will provide
for termination of the arrangement in order to facilitate the City's needs.
This item went before the Parks and Recreation Commission on February 6, 2003. Staff
will report the Commission's recommendation to the City Council regarding the lease
agreement with Carousel Ranch during the time that this item is heard by the Council.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other actions as determined by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT
The lease agreement will generate revenue, depending on the amount of the lease. No costs
are foreseen at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
Proposal letter from Carousel Ranch dated January 4, 2003.
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PR\COUNCIL\AGNREPTS\2003\carousel ranch report 2 11 03.doc
CAROUSEL RANCH
January 4, 2003
Rick Gould, Director
Parks and Recreation
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd, Suite 120
Valencia, CA 91355
Dear Mr. Gould:
RECEIVED
JAN - 6 2003
'arks, Recreation & Community
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In response to our phone conversation last week, I am writing to you in hopes
that somehow... you can find a way to help us in our quest to find a home for
Carousel Ranch. As you are aware, our lease expired on December 31St. Despite
our best efforts, we have been unable to obtain an extension and currently, we
have no place to operate. In fact, until we relocate, we are unable to honor our
pledge to continue to provide therapy to our children.
As you know, we have not yet found a permanent place to call home in the Santa
Clarita Valley and we are in a desperate search for an interim solution to our
dilemma. Although we are exploring every possible option - we are writing to
you in hopes that the City will consider providing a temporary (12-18 month)
home for Carousel Ranch, allowing us to resume operations while continuing
our search for a permanent home.
Of the options we have discussed with you, Rivendale/Towsley Canyon would
be our first choice of locations - offering central access, a relatively easy set-up
and the fact that it has previously been an equestrian facility. We do understand
the concerns that have been expressed about this location and of course, would
be happy with any space, anywhere - that the City might offer.
Again, we want to assure you that if given the opportunity to operate on City
property, we fully understand and respect the temporary nature of our
placement. With this in mind, Carousel Ranch would agree to vacate the
property when asked, with no expectations of the City making the location a
permanent home for the program.
In the meantime... we are quickly working to find an interim solution - allowing
us to resume therapy for the children within the next few weeks ... but so far,
these are only very limited solutions for a brief period of time.
15151 Lotusgarden Drive • Canyon Country, California 91387 • (661) 253-2195
Non-profit Equestrian Therapy for Special Needs Children
We are excited about the new opportunities we see in our future and we are
eager to continue to provide unequalled therapeutic procedures to our clients.
On behalf of the parents, staff, board and children, I thank you for your
consideration, enabling Carousel Ranch to remain a place of hope, healing and
hope for the many children in need within our valley.
Sincerely,
Denise Tomey, Executive Director