1 FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared By: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE A CQUISITION
OF THE BATTLES ROAD TRAIL PROPERTY
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to enter negotiations for the acquisition of Assessor Parcel Numbers 117-250-030, 117-250- 026, 117-490-030, 128-066-018, 128-066-019, 128-174-014, and 128-174-015 from the Chevron Corporation , representing 417,304± sq uare feet (9.58± acres) for the enhancement of the Battles Road Trail.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria recently received a $2.5 million grant from the State of California to enhance and renovate the Battles Road pedestrian and bike path corridor which is currently located on an existing easement on the northern portion of the Chevron Corporation’s parcels located along Battles R oad. The grant provides funding to allow the City to enhance the entire 60-foot width of the parcels. During informal discussions with a representative of Chevron Corporation’s Business and Real Estate Services to acquire an additional easement on the sourtherly 30 -foot portion, an offer was extended to the City to acquire the entire property.
DISCUSSION:
There are seven long parcels along Battles Road which total 417,304± sq. ft. (9.58± acres). The City currently holds a 30-foot wide easement along the northerly portion of the following Assessor Parcel Numbers: 117-250-030, 117-250-026, 117-490-030, 128- 066-018, 128-066-019, 128-174-014, and 128-174-015, which represents 417,304± sq. ft. (9.58± acres).
City staff recommends pursuing the option to purchase the parcels subject to Chevron conveying the parcels to the City free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, other than public utility easements and public rights -of-way. This would allow the City to enhance the entire width of the parcels along the Battles Road Trail alignment.
Currently located underground on the property are Phillips 66 oil pipelines and Southern California Gas natural gas lines ; therefore, any enhancements would still require coordination with the current utilities, but the City would hold title to the property and can make decisions.
2 The offer is subject to environmental inspection and approval by the City of the area proposed for purchase. The purpose of this process will be to attempt to confirm whether there is any hazardous contamination within, adjacent to, or coming from the property .
The environmental inspection and approval process may include physical inspections and environmental assessments, as deemed necessary or advisable by the City, as well as other testing or inspection in the event a preliminary review indicates it is advisable. In the event the City determines that corrective or remedial action may be necessary, the City reserves the right to reduce the amount offered to reflect the corrective or remedial costs or to withdraw the offer to purchase. The inspections will be conducted at the City’s expense.
Fiscal Considerations
The costs for the property acquisition would come from grant funding. T he Recreation and Parks Department would be the primary beneficiary of the property. Property improvements to comple te and beautify the trail alignment would come from grant funding.
Impact to the Community
There is no impact on the community by this action as it is largely considered an administrative item. The acquisition of the right of way will enable the C ity to complete The Battles Road Green Corridor Rehabilitation & Beautification Project as Chevron has indicated they will not issue any easements on these Parcels.
Environmental Review
This does not constitute a project.
Alternatives
Decline to authorize the City Manager , or designee, to enter into negotiations for the purchase of the parcels from the Chevron Corporation. This alternative would, however, prevent the City from enhancing the entire width of the Battles Road Trail parcel.
BRETT FULGONI
Director Public Works
Attachment: Battles Road Trail Parcel Maps