Agenda Item: 18
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: June 28, 2022
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION OF 200 +/-
ACRES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, ADJACENT TO HASKELL
CANYON OPEN SPACE, ASSESSORS PARCEL NUMBERS 2813-
025-001, 2813-010-001, 2813-010-011, 2813-010-012, 2813-010-013 DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Community Services
PRESENTER: Janine Prado
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve the acquisition of 200 +/- acres Los Angeles County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 2813-025-001, 2813-010-001, 2813-010-011, 2813-010-012, and 2813-010-013 at a total cost of $1,636,500, which includes the property purchase price of $1,600,000; $14,000 for due diligence, escrow, and closing costs; $12,500 remedial work (removal and proper disposal of trash, debris, septic system, and occupants on the properties); and $10,000 for trailhead improvements.
2. Appropriate $1,626,500 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Expenditure Account 3585200-520104 for the purchase of the property, due diligence, and closing costs.
3. Appropriate $10,000 from Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Expenditure Account 3585200-516101 for trailhead improvements.
4. Appropriate $23,000 as an on-going annual expenditure, starting fiscal year 2022-2023 from Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) to Expenditure Account 3587501-518503 for the payment of annual property taxes.
5. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council.
x
BACKGROUND
The subject property is comprised of 200 +/- acres located in Los Angeles County, adjacent to Haskell Canyon Open Space. It is outside of the City of Santa Clarita (City) limits, within the Open Space Preservation District (District) three-mile benefit area boundry, making it eligible for acquisition. The benefit area boundry is outlined in the Open Space Acquisition Implementation Work Program (Work Program), which is approved annually by the Financial Accountability and Audit Panel. Further, the acquisition of this property aligns with objectives outlined in the Work Program related to preserving undeveloped land in and around the Santa Clarita Valley.
The property purchase price of the property is $1,600,000 is based off a completed appraisal report, with an estimated cost of $14,000 for title, escrow, and due diligence and $10,000 for trailhead improvements, for a total cost and appropriation of $1,624,000. The seller will be compensated $12,500 for remedial work on the property that includes equipment, trash and debris removal, along with the removal or closure of an existing septic system, to the extent that it is rendered safe, as required by law, prior to close of escrow. Remedial work will also include all tenants, other occupants, and their vehicles, mobile homes, and other property to be removed prior to close of escrow. An ongoing appropriation of $23,000 annually is being requested for property taxes, as the property is located outside of the City’s limits.
This acquisition is in compliance with the mission of the Open Space Preservation District. It has been reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is exempt under CEQA guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition for conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and existing natural conditions. Any subsequent or proposed changes in the use or condition of the property will be subject to CEQA guidelines.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon approval of the recommended action, one-time funding will be appropriated from Open Space Preservation District Fund Balance (Fund 358) as follows: $1,626,500 for the purchase of the property, due diligence, and closing costs; $10,000 for trailhead improvements; and $23,000 on-going appropriations starting fiscal year 2022-2023 for the payment of annual property taxes.
ATTACHMENTS
Harris Property Map 12.2021