FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 17, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager David W. Rowlands
BY: Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Execute a Purchase and Sales Agreement for Police Department Parking Lot Expansion
Description:
The City Council will consider authorizing the City Manager, or designee , to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of certain Real Property and improvements, for the expanding needs of the City of Santa Maria Police Department.
Environmental Notice: The Project was adequately covered in a previously adopted Environmental Impact Report for Betteravia Plaza, State Clearinghouse Document #2015011029 pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15162.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement fo r the acquisition of certain Real Property, and improvements, commonly referred to as Lot 20 of Tract No. 6008 in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
The property under consideration is located directly east of the Santa Maria Police Department, adjacent to its existing parking lot. This acquisition has been identified in the AB 1600 Growth Mitigation program as a strategic opportunity to support the future growth of the Police Department. Importantly, no General Fund dollars will be used for this purchase.
The property and improvements, in the form of a completed parking lot , will provide sufficient and secure employee parking, accommodating the Police Department’s expanding needs. The developer, Betteravia Park, LLC, has agreed to sell the completed parking lot to the City for the amount of $125,000, significantly below market value for comparable properties in Santa Maria. Public Works negotiated the agreement with consultation from the Police Department, which confirms this property aligns with their operational and growth requirements.
2 DISCUSSION:
The parcel represents a rare and critical opportunity for the City. As outlined in the AB 1600 Growth Mitigation program, the City has collected fees from c onstruction activities specifically earmarked for acquiring properties like this. Now that a suitable property has become available, the City is in a position to act decisively.
Key steps for acquisition include:
Lot Line Adjustment: Required to align the property boundaries. Due Diligence Period: This will allow for thorough evaluation of the property, including environmental considerations.
Escrow Process: Following approval and satisfaction of all conditions, the transaction can close within 30 days of mutual execution.
This acquisition ensures the Police Department will have the necessary infrastructure to meet future growth demands while securing a property at a significant financial advantage. The alternative —delaying action —risks losing this strategically important parcel, likely requiring higher costs to meet similar needs in the future.
Alternative(s)
The City could delay the purchase of this property, and look for other parking lots not located near the Police Department.
Fiscal Considerations
As part of this contract, the Public Works Department is requesting an appropriation of $125,000 in Growth Mitigation funding to the approved FY 2024-2025 budget to fund the proposed purchase agreement.
Impact to the Community
The pur chase of this property will enable Police Department expansion for the foreseeable future, ensuring Police Services are delivered efficiently for years to come.
Other Agency Review
The City of Santa Maria Police Department has reviewed and approved this report.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Purchase Agreement