HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - ACQUISITION OF 173.54 PROPERTY (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: March 24; 20 1:
Agenda Item: 4
SUBJECT: ACQUISITION OF 173.54 +/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY,
VACANT LAND, ASSESSORS PARCEL NO. 2826-020-056 and 062
DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation and Community Services
PRESENTER: Rick Gould
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
Approve the purchase of 173.54 +/- acres of real property, vacant land, Assessor's Parcel No.
2826-020-056 and 062, for open space preservation, at a total cost of $1 �91 0,000, which
includes the property purchase price of $1,850,000, and $20,000 for escrow, title, surveying
fees and due diligence costs, $30,000 for trail improvements including fencing and signs, and
$10,000 annually for property taxes.
2. Appropriate $1,870,000 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358)
to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 12592-5201.004.
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I Appropriate $30,000 from Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to
Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 12592-5161.002 for the purpose of
property improvements, including signage, gates, and trail clean-up.
4. Appropriate $10,000 asan on-going annual expenditure from Open Space Preservation
District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account
12592-5185.00' ) for the payment of annual property taxes.
5. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
BACKGROUND
In late 2014, the City entered into negotiations to purchase the subject property from the Joseph
Aidlin Trust. The property of approximately 173.54 +/- acres is located near the Newhall Pass,
west of City -owned open space properties including the Taylor Property and Rivendale Ranch at
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APPROVED I Packet Pg. 267
Towsley Canyon. The purchase of the subject property will enhance the greenbelt west of the 5
Freeway, and is included as part of the Santa Clarita Southern Boundary Conceptual
Conservation Plan, recognized by the State - of California Department of Fish and Wildlife as an
area of significant biodiversity. This property acquisition has been of interest to the City Council
for some time due to the potential for trail connectivity. Unrelated private legal issues associated
with the property have recently been resolved, allowing for the acquisition at this time.
Acquisition of this property will enhance the City's on-going efforts to preserve open space lands
and improve trail connectivity throughout the Newhall Pass. When joined to other nearby
protected lands, this property will create another linkage in the Santa Susanna Mountains to the
San Gabriel Mountains, and the future Crest -to -Coast trail system linking the Pacific Crest Trail
to the Pacific Ocean.
The total estimated acquisition cost associated with the purchase of this property is $1,910,000.
This includes $1,850,000 purchase price for the property ($10,659 per acre); $20,000 for escrow
fees, title fees, surveying fees, and due diligence costs; $30,000 for trail improvements, which
may include signs and fencing, and $10,000 for property taxes.
This acquisition has been reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the acquisition is exempt under CEQA guidelines Section 15061 (b) (3). as a
transfer of ownership will not change the current use or create any immediate impacts. Any
subsequent or proposed changes in the use or condition of the property will be subject to CEQA.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Direct staff to cease the purchase of the property.
2. Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of this property acquisition is $1,910,000. Upon City Council approval of this
item, the necessary funds to complete this transaction will be available in expenditure accounts
as follows: $1,870,000 in expenditure account 12592-5201.004 for the land aquisition; $30,000
in expenditure account 12592-5161.002 for professional services related to property
improvements; and $10,000 in expenditure account 12592-5185.003 for the payment of annual
property taxes.
ATTACHMENTS
Location Map
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