City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: November 7, 2023
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Subject
Acceptance of Dedications for Rights of Way or Easements for Public Use Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2023-25 authorizing the City Administrator to accept on the City’s behalf dedications for rights of way or easements for public use.
Background
The City generally requires applicants to dedicate rights of way or easements for public use when such a dedication is needed to allow for public access, road or sidewalk widening, or to accommodate public improvements and utilities. In order for these real property conveyances to be recorded in the official records of the County, the City must formally accept them and provide evidence of such acceptance in the form of a resolution or Certificate of Acceptance.
Historically, the City of Vernon has accepted these dedications by action of City Council, however the California Government Code allows Council to delegate this acceptance to a City officer. Government Code Section 27281(b) permits the City Council to authorize, by general resolution, one or more City officers to accept and execute instruments conveying an interest in real property on behalf of the City. The recommended action would eliminate the need for staff to request City Council approval of dedications for a right of way or public easement by authorizing the City Administrator, or designee, to accept and execute such dedications after Public Works or Public Utilities staff have reviewed and recommended approval.
Streamlining the public dedication process would improve efficiency and save City time and resources. City Council would retain approval authority for development agreements and other project approvals as required under the Vernon Municipal Code. Prior to accepting any dedication for rights of way or easements for public use, the City Attorney will review the document or instrument to ensure it is legally acceptable.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Resolution No. 2023-25