City of Gonzales
CITY ATTORNEY
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: September 6, 2022
FROM: Michael Rodriquez, City Attorney
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. SA-2022-03 Gabilan Property Transfer
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that your Board consider Adopting Resolution No. SA-2022-03, A Resolution of the Board of the Successor Agency to the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving a Grant Deed From the Successor Agency to the City of Gonzales for a 3.69 Acre Parcel of Property, APN 020-121-005-000, Located at Gabilan Court and Fifth Street.
BACKGROUND
In June of 2011, ABx1 26 was signed into law, amending various provisions of the Health and Safety Code (“H&SC”) so as to effectively dissolve all existing redevelopment agencies in the State. Consistent with applicable provisions of the H&SC, the City Council elected to serve in the capacity of the Successor Agency to the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency (“Successor Agency.”) Successor agencies have the duty to facilitate the wind-down of former redevelopment agencies, primarily relating to discharge of outstanding debt and legal distribution or retention of assets.
In 2013, in accordance with H&SC Section 34191.5, the Successor Agency prepared a “Long Range Property Management Plan” (“LRPMP”) which identified the real property assets of the former Redevelopment Agency and addressed the disposition and/or use of said assets. On January 7, 2013, the Successor Agency, at a noticed public meeting, reviewed and approved the Successor Agency’s LRPMP, and the LRPMP was thereafter approved by the Oversight Board for the Successor Agency and the State Department of Finance.
One of the assets identified in the LRPMP was a property that had been acquired by the Redevelopment Agency in 2009 in an exchange with the Monterey County Housing Authority. The property, a 3.69 acre parcel located at Gabilan Court and Fifth Street, APN 020-121-005-000 (the “Gabilan Property”), was AGENDA
ITEM
12 acquired specifically for future use for the construction of a community center. The LRPMP states that the Gabilan Property was proposed to be conveyed to and retained by the City of Gonzales pursuant to H&SC Section 34181, without cost, for governmental use. The proposed use, a community center, was deemed to advance the planning objectives of both the Successor Agency and the City for: 1) the continued investment in public infrastructure and community facilities, and 2) to provide public service facilities such as community centers, parks, libraries, and senior centers, located in areas of the City that serve schools and senior citizens.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
As the Board is aware, after several years of planning and extensive public outreach and input, the city is pursuing the construction of the Community Center Complex Project (“Community Center”) on the Gabilan Property which will include a public library, a Teen Innovation Center, a fitness studio, a multiuse conference rooms, consulting and counseling rooms, a commercial kitchen, a community hall to host fitness and recreation classes, public and private functions, and extensive outdoor venues that include exercise areas, an amphitheater with stage, and meet-and-greet lounge areas. A stand-alone gymnasium is an additive alternate to the base project. As planned, the Community Center will provide a multitude of recreation, education and social activities for local and regional residents and will be of significant benefit to the health and the quality of life for City residents of all ages.
The Successor Agency now desires to carry out its previously approved mandate to convey the Gabilan Property to the City for use for the development of the Community Center. The proposed conveyance is not a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and as such, does not require analysis under CEQA. Moreover, the Community Center Project has already been the subject of CEQA analysis, with a Notice of Exemption for the Project being approved and filed with the County on April 1, 2021. The long-awaited development of the Project is in compliance with the City’s General Plan. In essence, the proposed conveyance is a pre-approved housekeeping matter between the Successor Agency and the City that will facilitate the Community Center’s development.
Based on all of the forgoing, Staff is recommending that the Successor Agency Board adopt Resolution No. SA2022-_ in order to convey the Gabilan Property to the City for use for the Community Center Project.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Conveyance of the property from the Successor Agency to the City will enable the City to construct the Gonzales Community Center Project, which will provide substantial benefits to the health and quality of life in the City.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ___No ___ NA
Explain: Please see above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety __ Yes ____ No X NA
• Housing __ Yes ____ No X NA
• Recreation __ Yes ____ No X NA
• Environment __ Yes ____ No X NA
• Education __ Yes ____ No X NA
Explain: Please see above.
ALTERNATIVES
Your Board has the following alternatives:
• Modify, delete and/or add to the language of the proposed resolution; or • Delay consideration of the conveyance. This is not recommended as various funding sources the City has been pursuing for the Community Center require proof of City ownership of the Gabilan Property.
BUDGET IMPACT
No impact. The property is being conveyed without charge by the Successor Agency to the City in accordance with the approved LRPMP.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that your Board consider Adopting Resolution No. SA-2022-03, A Resolution of the Board of the Successor Agency to the Gonzales Redevelopment Agency Approving a Grant Deed From the Successor Agency to the City of Gonzales for a 3.69 Acre Parcel of Property, APN 020-121-005-000, Located at Gabilan Court and Fifth Street.
Attachments:
1. Resol SA-2022-03
2. Grant Deed for Gabilan Property