Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 7.1. 9/26/2023 File #: 23-0600
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Leslie Hardy, Community Services Director
1. SUBJECT
Consideration of a 50-Year Lease Agreement with Orange County Flood Control District for West Orange Park.
2. SUMMARY
Underscoring the City’sefforts to expand parks and open space as well as to complement newer developments in west Orange, a 2.38-acre site managed by Orange County Flood Control District was identified for passive park uses. A proposed 50-year lease agreement between Orange County Flood Control District and the City of Orange for park development and management is presented for City Council consideration.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve a 50-Year Lease Agreement between Orange County Flood Control District and the City of Orange, allowing the City to develop and operate a passive park on approximately 2.38 acres of land owned by Orange County Flood Control District.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 3: Enhance and Promote Quality of Life in the Community a. Renovate, maintain, develop, and/or expand public use places and spaces.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
To expand the City of Orange’sparks/open space and to augment existing recreational amenities, City staff evaluated park development options in proximity and accessible to west Orange residents.
As a result of these efforts, an approximately 2.38-acre site was identified (“Site”).Owned by Orange County Flood Control District (“OCFCD”),the Site is located west adjacent to the Santa Ana River, north and east of the Interstate 5 Freeway, and south of West Chapman Avenue.
A park feasibility study and a conceptual design was completed by Agora Partners and funded by BLDG Partners (project sponsor of Allure Apartments). The conceptual design includes features such as exercise equipment, passive areas, a dog amenity, kids play feature, landscape, and seating. The City of Orange Printed on 9/21/2023Page 1 of 2
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Item #: 7.1. 9/26/2023 File #: 23-0600
as exercise equipment, passive areas, a dog amenity, kids play feature, landscape, and seating. The proximity to the existing Santa Ana River bike trail also presents an opportunity to create interface features between the park and trail. In addition, the park will serve residents in existing developments, and complement future development(s) west of the Site.
While the Site development process may entail multiple steps, a critical milestone is to secure the County of Orange’sapproval to utilize the Site for passive park uses. The County of Orange has been in ongoing communication with City staff, culminating in the proposed long-term lease agreement for City Council consideration. Provided below are key tenants in the proposed lease agreement:
· 50-Year Lease Agreement.
· Site leased to City on a rent-free basis.
· Passive Park uses, including walkways, monumentation/trail signage, and landscape improvements.
· No restroom facilities are permitted.
· City cannot collect park entry fees.
· City must manage and maintain the premises consistent with other parks within the City of Orange and will apply/enforce City of Orange park rules. · OCFCD reserves the right to enter the Site for flood control operation purposes.
In consideration of the above, it is recommended the City Council approve a 50-year lease Agreement with OCFCD and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Orange. Should the City Council approve the proposed lease agreement, City staff will continue to work on Site development funding opportunities and next steps.
7. ATTACHMENTS
· Proposed OCFCD Lease Agreement
City of Orange Printed on 9/21/2023Page 2 of 2
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