HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - HASKELL CYN PRESERVATION (2)Agenda Item: 17
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by: Rick Gould
DATE: May 24, 2011
SUBJECT: PRESERVATION OF 526 +/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN
HASKELL CANYON, LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSORS
PARCELS 2812-007-002, 2812-007-003, 2812-007-028,
2812-007-045, 2813-010-002, 2813-010-003, 2813-010-008,
3244-031-013, AND 3244-031-014.
DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve the purchase of 526 +/- acres of real property in Haskell Canyon for
open space preservation for a total cost of $3,135,000, which includes $15,000 for escrow,
title, surveying fees, and due diligence costs; and $20,000 for open space start-up costs
including gates, fencing, and signs as may be required; Assessor's Parcels 2812-007-001,
2812-007-002, 2812-007-028, 2812-007-045, 2813-010-002, 2813-010-003, 2813-010-008,
3244-031-013 and 3244-031-014.
2. Appropriate $2,880,000.00 from Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358)
to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 12592-5201.004. Appropriate
$20,000 from Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Open Space
Preservation District Expenditure Account 12592-5201.008.
3. Authorize the transfer of $235,000 from Contractual Services Account R0002303-5161.001
to Environmental Mitigation Land Acquisition Account R0002303-5201.004.
4. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
BACKGROUND
In September 2010, the City entered into negotiations to purchase approximately 526 +/- acres of
property for open space preservation in Haskell Canyon. This property consists of Assessor's
Parcels 2812-007-001, 2812-007-002, 2812-007-028, 2812-007-045, 2813-010-002,
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2813-010-003, 2813-010-008, 324.4-031-013 and 3244-031-014.
The developer of this property originally planned for 515 homes on this 526 acre site, which
would have significantly impacted traffic in an area already burdened by adding another 5,000
trips per day on Copperhill Road, Benz Road, and Bouquet Canyon Road. The purchase of this
property will enhance the City's continuous efforts to preserve open space and provide additional
trial opportunities for residents. This acquisition is in compliance with Government Code
Section 65402 regarding General Plan consistency and the mission of the Open Space
Preservation District.
The purchase price of the land is $3,100,000. The total estimated costs associated with the
purchase of this property is $3,135,000, which includes $15,000 for escrow, title, surveying fees,
and due diligence costs, and $20,000 for open space start-up costs including gates, fencing, and
signs as may be required. Funds in the amount of $235,000 from the Land Bank Mitigation fund
will be used to leverage funds from the Open Space Preservation District for this acquisition.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Direct staff to cease purchase of the property.
2. Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost for the property acquisition is estimated at $3,135,000. Upon City Council
approval of the Recommended Action, $235,000 will be available in Expenditure Account
R0002303-5201.004, and $2,900,000 will be available in Expenditure Accounts
12592-5201.008, and 12592-5201.004 to complete the transaction.