FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 19, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Acting City Manager Chuen Wu
BY: Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Proposed Grant and Abandonment of Easements on Santa Maria Airport District Property
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the following: waterline and well site easements for Well 6 and Well 15 from the Santa Maria Airport District, abandonment of a waterline well site easement for Well 15, and the abandonment of Well Site 6.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution accepting a grant of easement from the Santa Maria Airport District for water purposes for Well 6 and Well 15 and the abandonment of previous easements for Well 6 and Well 15.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria has established easements for the existing Well Site 6 and proposed Well Site 15. Following a survey of the existing Well Site 6, it was determined the legal description did not match the existing well site. To correct the inaccuracy, the abandonment and reestablishment of Well Site 6 is required (Attachment A).
As a result of environmental concerns, the previously established easement for Well Site 15 was not feasible without significant effort and cost and is proposed to be abandoned (Attachment B). Therefore, a new waterline alignment and well site was establis hed for the proposed Well Site 15 (Attachment C). The proposed new well is necessary to maintain the current level of service for City residents. Staff has initiated work with consultants for the engineering design and environmental assessment for the new alignment of Well Site 15. The scope of work to initiate construction on the new Well Site 15 is near completion.
2 DISCUSSION:
With the support of the Santa Maria Airport District, staff proposed to address Well Site 6 in the following manner. Abandon the existing Well Site 6 (Attachment D) and re-establish an accurate legal description for the well site. In addition, establish a waterline easement to link Well Site 6 to Well Site 11 for a direct connection to the City’s Blending Station.
At the request of the Santa Maria Airport District, an appraisal for the proposed waterline easement was prepared by Hoffman, Vance and Worthington, Inc. It was determined that compensation for the easement was valued at $27,000. In lieu of cash compensation, City s taff proposed to provide roadway surface improvements on Airport property comparable to the appraised value of the easement. The Santa Maria Airport District agreed to the staff’s proposal. Said improvements would be constructed in coordination with the City’s Annual Surface Seal Program in calendar year 2025.
Well Site 15 will require the following: abandonment of the existing waterline and well site easement. Establishment of a new waterline and Well Site 15. The grant of easements and abandonments are supported by the Airport District.
Alternative(s)
Council could decide to not accept the easement and support the abandonment. This action would result in the City’s inability to obtain the necessary water resources for City of Santa Maria commercial and residential customers.
Fiscal Considerations
The City proposes to provide roadway surface improvements comparable to the appraisal for the Well Site 6 easement. Funds for the improvements will be provided through the Utilities Department Water Fund.
Impact to the Community
The establishment and abandonment of the easements do not have an immediate impact to the community. However, said easements will provide the City with the ability to convey water to City residents in the near future with the constr uction of a new Well Site 15 and Well Site 6 connection to link with Well Site 11 to the City Blending Station.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Well Site 6 Waterline and Well Site Easement
B. Well Site 15 Abandonment
C. Well Site 15 Waterline and Well Site Easement
D. Well Site 6 Abandonment