Agenda Item: 2
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: November 26, 2024
SUBJECT: DOCKWEILER DRIVE EXTENSION, PROJECT S3023 - RIGHT-OF-
WAY ACQUISITION
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Kevin G. Ennis
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Find the Addendum to the Dockweiler Drive Extension Project Environmental Impact Report complies with the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulation Article 11 sections 15162 and 15164, for changes to the approved project.
2. Adopt a resolution declaring certain real properties owned or to be acquired by the City of Santa Clarita and exchanged with other property exempt surplus land to facilitate right-of- way acquisition for the proposed extension of Dockweiler Drive and the proposed bicycle and pedestrian trail, make California Environmental Quality Act findings, and direct staff to submit the resolution to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for approval.
3. Adopt a resolution for the Real Property Transfer Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, subject to final modifications and approval by the City Attorney.
4. Adopt a resolution approving the summary vacation of a portion of the public right-of-way along Lyons Avenue and Placerita Canyon Road, as described and shown on Exhibit “A” Legal Description and Exhibit “B” Exhibit Map of the attached resolution; for the summary vacation of an offer of dedication for private and future street purposes of Norland Drive, as described and shown on Exhibit “G” Legal Description and Exhibit “H” Exhibit Map of the attached resolution; and reserving easements for the Gas Company and Charter Communications as described and shown on the Exhibit “C,” “D,” “E,” and “F” of the attached resolution.
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to submit the approved certified original resolution for summary vacation into escrow, to be recorded following the recordation of the quitclaim deeds exchanged between the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles.
6. Adopt a resolution approving the Real Property Transfer Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and Laurene F. Weste, which authorizes an exchange of land between the parties, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, subject to final modifications and approval by the City Attorney.
7. Adopt a resolution approving the Real Property Transfer Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and Prostor Land, LLC, which authorizes an exchange of land between the parties, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, subject to final modifications and approval by the City Attorney.
8. Approve the Conveyance of Right-of-Way Agreement between the Newhall School District and the City of Santa Clarita, which provides for the acquisition of right-of-way for a portion of Dockweiler Drive Extension Project.
9. Adopt a resolution accepting the offer of dedication for Emberbrook Drive, set aside for highway purposes by the County of Los Angeles by Resolution dated June 8, 1971; accepting another portion of Emberbrook Drive, offered as a future street by instrument numbers 3181, 3182, and 3183, all recorded September 4, 1974, for public use and road purposes; and authorizing a street name change to Dockweiler Drive.
10. Authorize the City Clerk to record the approved certified original resolution accepting Emberbrook Drive and renaming to Dockweiler Drive in the Los Angeles County Registrar- Recorder’s office upon completion of the Dockweiler Drive Extension Project and subject to approval from the Director of Public Works.
11. Authorize the City Manager or designee to grant easements for public use and road purposes and public use and trail purposes across City-owned parcels for Dockweiler Drive.
12. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $1,600,000 from the Via Princessa Bridge and Thoroughfare Fee fund (Fund 453) to Dockweiler Drive Extension, Project S3023, expenditure account S3023453 – 516101.
13. Authorize the City Manager or designee to submit $1,100,000 into escrow, to be distributed to the County of Los Angeles at the close of escrow for the Land Exchange Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles.
14. Authorize the City Manager or designee to reimburse Laurene F. Weste for actual expenses related to relocating the existing septic system out of the Dockweiler Drive right-of-way in an amount not to exceed $22,000; authorize the City Manager or designee to pay Laurene F.
Weste $11,000 in compensation for the relocation of existing animal kennels and cargo containers out of the Dockweiler Drive right-of-way to another location on the same parcel; and authorize the City Manager or designee to pay Ms. Weste $32,000 in compensation for
the relocation of the water pipes, valves, and plant material out of the Dockweiler Drive right-of-way.
15. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
Originally constructed in the early 1990s, Dockweiler Drive currently connects to Sierra Highway to the east and terminates 500 feet west of Valle del Oro to the west. The City of Santa Clarita's (City) General Plan designates Dockweiler Drive as a secondary highway, which has an ultimate design section of four travel lanes, designed to service both through traffic and to collect traffic from collector and local streets. The extension of Dockweiler Drive, as shown on the attached Location Map, is a critical east-west link that would provide a through connection from Sierra Highway to Railroad Avenue, as indicated in the General Plan. This project supports the Building and Creating Community theme of the City’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025.
On April 10, 2018, the City Council approved the alignment of Dockweiler Drive to connect to Railroad Avenue at 13th Street. This alignment would require improvements to both Arch Street and 13th Street along with a fully upgraded railroad crossing at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue.
The proposed roadway improvements would consist of a four-lane roadway with a 12-foot raised landscaped median, a 13-foot-wide sidewalk/parkway, and a 5-foot-wide bike lane on each side.
The typical right-of-way width is 92 feet. Additionally, staff was authorized to submit an application to the California Public Utilities Commission, which was approved, for the required improvements at the 13th Street at-grade rail crossing.
On July 9, 2019, the City Council approved a design contract with MNS Engineers, Inc. to design the roadway, drainage, and grading from the current terminus of Dockweiler Drive to connect with Railroad Avenue at 13th Street. The scope of work included coordinating with The Master’s University and surrounding property owners; working with Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) to complete the design of the rail crossing at 13th Street; designing the intersections at Arch Street, 12th Street, and Placerita Canyon Road; and facilitating extensive public outreach meetings for residents, businesses, and agencies. Right-of- way acquisition is required from several property owners to secure the approved alignment.
California Environmental Quality Act Requirements
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements were completed when the combined Lyons Avenue and Dockweiler Drive Extension Project Final Environmental Impact Report, Environmental Findings, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Statement of Overriding Considerations (collectively, the EIR) were approved and certified through Resolutions 18-10 and 18-11 by the City of Santa Clarita City Council at its regular meeting on April 10, 2018. A Notice of Determination was posted with the State Clearinghouse on April 16, 2018 (SCH #2013082016). In addition to the EIR, the Addendum to the Lyons Avenue and Dockweiler Drive Extension Project Final EIR (City EIR Addendum) was recently completed.
The EIR and City EIR Addendum are available in the City Clerk’s Reading File.
The City EIR Addendum evaluated the addition of the following (Modified Project), constituting changes from the originally approved project EIR:
• A roundabout at 12th Street and Arch Street and signalized “T” intersection at Dockweiler Drive and Placerita Canyon Road;
• Railroad Avenue median modifications and dedicated right-turn pedestrian refuge island from 13th Street to Railroad Avenue;
• A Class I bicycle and pedestrian pathway and bridge south of Dockweiler Drive, spanning Newhall Creek and connecting to the Jan Heidt (Newhall) Metrolink Station and Newhall Community Center parking lot;
• Two basins to capture and treat stormwater; one interim detention basin and conveyance located on the north side of 13th Street and east of the railroad tracks and one infiltration basin located south of the improvements at Placerita Canyon Road; • Union Pacific and Metrolink Railroad reprofiling approximately a quarter-mile of the railroad line and grading improvements;
• Property acquisition and/or easements of up to 29 properties (10 more than the 19 identified in the EIR);
• Removal of two additional oak trees (four total) and encroachment on eight oak trees; • A larger grading footprint of approximately seven acres (two acres more than the five acres identified in the EIR) on the northern portion of the project site to accommodate roadway and intersection improvements, grading improvements along the railroad line, and the two stormwater basins; and
• A longer grading period of up to 18 months (12 months were identified in the EIR).
The City EIR Addendum concluded there is substantial evidence to determine that:
1. The City’s Modified Project does not represent a substantial change from the approved project evaluated in the EIR;
2. No substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the City’s Modified Project is undertaken; and
3. The City’s Modified Project has not introduced new information of substantial importance that was not previously known.
The City’s Modified Project would not have any new or substantially more severe impacts than what was evaluated in the EIR. No new mitigation measures are recommended in addition to those adopted at the time the EIR was certified. The EIR, in conjunction with this City EIR Addendum, provide adequate documentation, pursuant to CEQA for the City’s approved and modified project.
On November 6, 2024, the Los Angeles County (County) Board of Supervisors found that the County’s Placerita Yard Relocation Project Addendum to the Lyons Avenue and Dockweiler Drive Extension Project Final Environmental Impact Report (County EIR Addendum) (SCH #2013082016), complies with the CEQA pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulation Article 11 sections 15162 and 15164, for changes to the approved project (the County’s Modified Project). The County’s Modified Project will relocate the County’s roadway maintenance yard from 22234 Placerita Canyon Road, to a two-acre un-subdivided portion of an approximately 21.24-acre undeveloped parcel, owned by the City at the easterly terminus of
Norland Drive, between State-Route 14 and the Santa Clara River, through a Real Property Exchange Agreement between the City and the County. The County EIR Addendum is available in the City Clerk’s Reading File.
California Department of Housing and Community Development Resolution
The approved alignment requires right-of-way acquisition from several property owners including the County, Laurene F. Weste (Ms. Weste), and Prostor Land, LLC. Staff has obtained preliminary approval from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) of an exemption from the Surplus Lands Act to exchange City-owned property to secure the necessary right-of-way for Dockweiler Drive from these three property owners. The attached HCD Resolution will be submitted for formal approval after it is adopted by the City.
The County also prepared a resolution declaring its maintenance yard in Placerita Canyon and portions of Lyons Avenue and Placerita Canyon Road to be exempt from the Surplus Lands Act.
The County Board of Supervisors adopted the resolution during its regular meeting on November 6, 2024.
County Real Property Exchange Agreement
The approved alignment for Dockweiler Drive would render the County’s existing Placerita Maintenance Yard unusable. The City and County have negotiated a property exchange to provide similar property in another portion of the City, along Norland Drive, for the County maintenance yard to allow for the City’s approved alignment of Dockweiler Drive.
City and County staff prepared a Real Property Exchange Agreement that will be approved by the attached City/County Exchange Resolution. The County Board of Supervisors approved their agreement of real property transfer with the City during its regular meeting on November 6, 2024.
In accordance with this agreement, the County will quitclaim its interest in the maintenance yard along with its interest in the portions of Lyons Avenue, Emberbrook Drive, and Placerita Canyon Road, located east of the Metrolink railroad tracks, as shown on Page 1 of the attached County Land Exchange Exhibit. In exchange, the City will quitclaim interest in a two-acre sub-parcel between State Route 14 and the Santa Clara River, along Norland Drive, which is part of a larger
21.24-acre parcel adjacent to and east of Oak Springs Canyon Drive as shown on Page 2 of the County Land Exchange Exhibit. The agreement requires the City to pay the County $1,100,000 for expenses associated with relocating its maintenance yard.
The City will grant a 24-foot-wide easement to the County to provide ingress, egress, and utility access from Oak Springs Canyon Road to the two-acre sub-parcel. In addition, the City will reserve a 24-foot-wide easement for ingress, egress, and utility purposes across the two-acre sub- parcel to allow the City to pass through.
The County’s maintenance yard in Placerita Canyon is subject to a lease with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The lease allows SCAQMD to operate an air monitoring station on a 1,575-square-foot portion of the County maintenance yard. The lease payments are currently paid on a month-to-month basis for $50 per month. The lease will transfer to the City of Santa Clarita upon close of escrow.
A portion of the Lyons Avenue right-of-way, to be acquired from the County, is not needed for the construction of the Dockweiler Drive Extension project. This land will be exchanged with other land owners to obtain the required right-of-way.
Resolution of Vacation of Norland Drive, Portions of Lyons Avenue, and Placerita Canyon Road
The County requested that the City support the vacation of Norland Drive as part of the Real Property Transfer Agreement. The offer of dedication for a private and future street to be vacated was originally provided through an offer of dedication to the County on Parcel Map No. 18161, recorded on February 15, 1989. The rights transferred to the City upon annexation on August 15, 2013. The 60-foot-wide dedication is located within the 21.24-acre parcel owned by the City.
Based on the criteria outlined in the attached Vacation Resolution, City staff has determined that the offer of dedication is not needed for future public road purposes.
The portions of Lyons Avenue and Placerita Canyon Road being acquired from the County were acquired by the County in fee for road purposes. The County also acquired easements for slope purposes and drainage purposes associated with Lyons Avenue. A portion of Lyons Avenue being acquired from the County in fee will be transferred to Ms. Weste and Prostor Land, LLC, in exchange for right-of-way needed for Dockweiler Drive and the Class I bike trail to the Newhall Metrolink Station. The Vacation Resolution will vacate the road, slope, and drainage easements, prior to quitclaiming the fee ownership in exchange for needed right-of-way. The specific easements to be vacated were acquired by the County by instrument numbers listed in the table below. Placerita Canyon Road is maintained as a public road west of Aden Avenue. The Vacation Resolution does not vacate any part of Placerita Canyon Road west of Aden Avenue within the original 40-foot-wide right-of-way.
Lyons Avenue and Placerita Canyon Road Easements to be Vacated Instrument Number Date Recorded
3592 June 15, 1967
2999 October 14, 1970
3310 October 6, 1970
2658 January 21, 1971
2660 January 21, 1971
3927 April 1, 1971
2714 January 24, 1972
3184 September 4, 1974
3185 September 4, 1974
3186 September 4, 1974
As outlined in the Vacation Resolution, and per Part 3, Section 8331 and Per Part 3, Section 8333, of the California Streets and Highways Code, these easements may be summarily vacated.
Therefore, staff is recommending the easements and offer of dedication be summarily vacated by adopting the resolution for the summary vacation of easements and offer of dedication for private and future street purposes, as described in Exhibit “A” and “G” Legal Descriptions and as shown on Exhibit “B” and “H” Exhibit Maps of the attached resolution. The resolution also includes a reservation of easement for the Southern California Gas Company to continue maintaining and operating its existing gas line facilities and for Charter/Spectrum to continue maintaining and
operating its existing communication line facilities.
Laurene F. Weste Real Property Exchange Agreement
The approved alignment for Dockweiler Drive goes through portions of Ms. Weste’s property.
As a City Councilmember, Ms. Weste is required by California conflict of interest laws to recuse herself from making, participating in the making, or otherwise using her official position to influence any of the City’s decisions on the Dockweiler Drive Extension project, as the project directly affects her real property. In addition, and absent an available exception to the conflict of interest laws, the City would not be permitted to enter into an agreement with Ms. Weste while she is a councilmember.
On August 27, 2021, the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) determined that an exception applies in this situation to permit the City to enter into an agreement with Ms.
Weste because the acquisition of a portion of her property is necessary for the project, provided that Ms. Weste’s involvement in this matter is limited to communications with the City in her individual capacity and as a landowner. For these reasons, Ms. Weste has recused herself as a councilmember in matters involving the Dockweiler Drive Extension project, including the consideration of the Weste Land Exchange Agreement. Discussions and negotiations between the City and Ms. Weste, in her private capacity and as a landowner, have occurred between her, her attorney, City staff, and the City’s special counsel for this project. With her recusal as a councilmember, the City is not prohibited by the state conflict of interest laws from approving and entering in the proposed agreement with Ms. Weste.
The HCD Resolution authorizes a portion of the excess right-of-way of Lyons Avenue to be exchanged with Ms. Weste for a road easement, a slope easement, and a temporary construction easement necessary for Dockweiler Drive. The land and easements being exchanged with Ms.
Weste are shown on the attached Weste Land Exchange Exhibit.
The real property exchange agreement between the City and Ms. Weste will be approved by and is an exhibit to the City/Weste Exchange Resolution, attached. In this agreement, the City will quitclaim the portion of property obtained from the County that is not needed for the Dockweiler Drive Extension project, and is adjacent to the property owned by Ms. Weste, to Ms. Weste in exchange for Ms. Weste granting easements for public use and road purposes, slope purposes, and temporary construction purposes through her property for the purpose of building Dockweiler Drive.
The fee ownership being quitclaimed to Ms. Weste and the right-of-way and easements being granted to the City per the real property exchange agreement between the City and Ms. Weste have been appraised. The land being acquired by Ms. Weste has been valued at $703,000. The right-of-way and easements being acquired by the City have been valued at $686,000. The real property exchange agreement contains a provision for Ms. Weste to pay to the City the difference in value in the amount of $17,000.
As part of the property transfer agreement the City will also agree to the following terms:
1. Following close of escrow, the City will:
a. Reimburse Ms. Weste for actual expenses related to relocating the existing septic system, in an amount not to exceed $22,000. Ms. Weste is to relocate the septic system if affected by the proposed project within three months after the close of escrow.
b. Compensate Ms. Weste for the relocation of existing animal kennels and cargo containers located within the proposed right-of-way, in the amount of $11,000.
The animal kennels and cargo containers will be relocated onto the same parcel outside of the proposed right-of-way. The work is to be completed and expenses to be reimbursed within three months after the close of escrow. c. Compensate Ms. Weste for the relocation of existing water lines, valves, and plant material from the nursery site within the proposed right-of-way, in the amount of $32,000. Ms. Weste is to relocate all irrigation lines and plant material prior to the close of escrow.
2. During construction of Dockweiler Drive, the City will:
a. Install construction fencing along the northeast alignment of Dockweiler Drive and County maintenance yard to deter trespassers from entering the Weste property.
b. Relocate the existing water meter at the northeast corner of the Weste property, if required due to construction activities.
c. Abandon an existing water well located within the Dockweiler Drive alignment and deliver the antique well cap and handle to Ms. Weste. d. Ensure that electrical service to Ms. Weste’s residence is retained after undergrounding of electric lines.
3. Following construction of Dockweiler Drive, the City will:
a. Maintain landscaping and irrigation within the slope easements adjacent to Dockweiler Drive through Ms. Weste’s property.
b. Install protective fencing as a barrier to protect animals from wandering into the right-of-way.
Both parties have reviewed and commented on the agreement and agree on the terms. Final adjustments will be non-substantive.
Prostor Land, LLC Real Property Exchange Agreement
The HCD Resolution also authorizes a portion of the excess Lyons Avenue right-of-way and a
portion of the excess County maintenance yard to be exchanged with Prostor Land, LLC, for fee ownership of land needed to construct the Class I bike trail from Dockweiler Drive, including the bridge across the un-named tributary to Newhall Creek, to the Newhall Community Center and the Newhall Metrolink Station as shown on the attached Prostor Land Exchange Exhibit.
The real property exchange agreement between the City and Prostor Land, LLC is approved by, and is an exhibit to the City/Prostor Exchange Resolution, attached. This agreement also requires Prostor Land, LLC, to grant temporary construction easements to the City for the construction of Dockweiler Drive. Prostor Land, LLC, will also enter into a new lease with SCAQMD, and the City will provide relocation assistance for SCAQMD to relocate its air monitoring station onto another site on property owned by Prostor Land, LLC.
Both parties have reviewed and commented on the agreement and agree on the terms. Final adjustments will be non-substantive.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been conducted for the County maintenance yard and the property being acquired in fee from Prostor Land, LLC. The investigations show there were no indications of recognized environmental conditions, and no further studies are recommended or will be completed prior to close of escrow.
South Coast Air Quality Management District Lease Agreement
A South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) air quality sampling station is located on the portion of the County maintenance yard that will be quitclaimed to the City and later quitclaimed to Prostor Land, LLC. The City will work with SCAQMD to relocate its air sampling station to a new mutually agreeable location within Prostor Land, LLC’s, storage yard that meets United States Environmental Protection Agency and state air quality monitoring regulations.
Agreement with the Newhall School District for Conveyance of Right-of-Way
Construction of the Dockweiler Drive Extension project will require the City to obtain right-of- way easements and a license for entry from the Newhall School District at its maintenance yard located at the corner of 12th Street and Arch Street as shown on the attached Newhall School District Exhibit. City staff has coordinated with Newhall School District staff and presented the project to the Newhall School District Governing Board on May 8, 2018, August 11, 2020, and April 25, 2023.
The Newhall School District Governing Board approved a resolution and the attached Agreement for Conveyance of Right-of-Way and Grant of License for Entry on May 23, 2023, and June 27, 2023, respectively. The agreement allows the Newhall School District to convey the required easements and grant the City permission to enter the property to construct the project improvements, upon formal approval by the City.
Accept Emberbrook Drive and Street Name Change
On June 8, 1971, the County Board of Supervisors set aside a 100-foot strip of land for Emberbrook Drive through Resolution 3414, recorded on June 11, 1971. This 100-foot strip is located within the County’s maintenance yard as shown on Page 1 of the attached County Land Exchange Agreement Exhibit. On September 4, 1974, three ownership partners offered to dedicate an easement for public road and highway purposes as instrument numbers 3181, 3182, and 3183. These two triangular parcels are located northwest and southeast of Emberbook Drive described above. The County consented to the recordation, but did not accept the offer. The set- aside strip and the offers to dedicate are within the proposed alignment for Dockweiler Drive and are shown on Page 1 of the attached Los Angeles County Land Exchange Exhibit.
To support the right-of-way acquisition for the Dockweiler Drive Extension project, staff recommends the City Council accept these portions of Emberbrook Drive. The attached Resolution to Accept Emberbrook Drive also includes provisions to rename this road to Dockweiler Drive.
The City is the entity responsible for authorizing City street name changes and can do so by the adoption of a resolution. City staff has coordinated with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, and neither has issues regarding the proposed street name change. There are no parcels with an Emberbrook Drive address.
This resolution to accept Emberbrook Drive and rename to Dockweiler Drive will be recorded following the filing of the Notice of Completion of construction.
Grant of Easement for Public Use and Road Purposes
The Dockweiler Drive Extension project will be constructed across City-owned parcels. Staff recommends that the City grant an easement for public use and road purposes along Dockweiler Drive to allow public utility agencies to construct their facilities within the right-of-way. In addition, an easement for public use and trail purposes will be granted across City-owned parcels to construct the Class I bike trail from Dockweiler Drive to the Newhall Community Center as shown on the Location Map.
Budget Appropriation
The requested budget appropriation will provide for property acquisition, SCAQMD relocation, Ms. Weste’s reimbursable costs, escrow fees, appraisal reports, relocation assistance, staff time, and miscellaneous fees associated with the acquisition and relocation for the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon approval of the recommended actions, $1,600,000 will be available for right-of-way acquistion in project expenditure account S3023453-516101 (Via Princessa B&T Fee) to support the recommended expenditures and associated project costs.
ATTACHMENTS
Location Map
HCD Resolution
County Land Exchange Exhibit
Resolution Vacating Lyons Avenue and Norland Drive
City/Weste Exchange Resolution
City/Prostor Exchange Resolution
Weste Land Exchange Exhibit
Prostor Land Exchange Exhibit
Newhall School District Exhibit
Agreement for Conveyance of Right of Way and Grant of License for Entry (available in City Clerk's Reading File)
Resolution to Accept Emberbrook Drive
City/County Exchange Resolution
Environmental Impact Report (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) City Environmental Impact Report Addendum (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) County Environmental Impact Report Addendum (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)