Agenda Item No.
CITY OF YUCAIPA
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council �p
FROM: Fermin Preciado, Director of Development Services/City Engineer � - Benjamin J. Matlock, Deputy Director of Community Development/City Planner'Q_,B FOR: City Council Meeting of November 27, 2023
SUBJECT: Historic Casa Blanca House Preservation
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
Review the main deal points of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Yucaipa and Elberta LLC for the preservation of the Historic Casa Blanca House; and
2. Consider an update of the Casa Blanca House Advisory Committee as provided by staff; and
3. Appoint Councilmembers Thorp and Venable as the two Committee Members.
DISCUSSION:
On June 13, 2022, the City Council entered into a Fair Share/Reimbursement Agreement (Agreement) with the property owner of the Casa Blanca property related to the environmental review costs for the Yucaipa Valley Wine Country Specific Plan (WCSP). The agreement also included a commitment by the property owner to collaborate with an advisory committee comprised of a Yucaipa Valley Historical Society Board Member, a Casa Blanca property owner representative and two City Councilmembers appointed by the City Council. The purpose of the advisory committee is to consider the future use of the Casa Blanca structure and property, the scope and planning of improvements to the property and to develop a budget and potential funding sources for the improvements. In addition, the advisory committee will also consider the public/private uses and potential historic designation of the Casa Blanca House located on the property.
The property owner has expressed interest and commitment to the future of the Casa Blanca House and would like to engage with stakeholders on potential ideas that may be appropriate. For example, the Yucaipa Valley Historical Society has expressed a strong interest in working with the City and the property owner on the restoration and use of the property, including public use.
To date, this committee has not held a meeting. The owner of the Casa Blanca property has submitted a letter to the City to follow up regarding the committee and to ensure that the committee is able to fulfill the City Council's direction. Councilmembers Thorp and Venable have both expressed an interest in serving on this Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund as a result of the recommended action.
Attachments:
1. Letter from Property Owner Representative
Approved by: �"�
ELBERTA, LLC
A California Limited Liability Company
November 20, 2023
Chris Mann — City Manager
City of Yucaipa
34272 Yucaipa Blvd.
Yucaipa, California 92399
Re: Casa Blanca Ranch House Advisory Committee
Dear Mr. Mann:
As you are aware, my ownership group negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the proposal to develop the Casa Blanca Ranch property with the City of Yucaipa. The MOU was negotiated with the City of Yucaipa and approved by the City Council prior to your tenure as City Manager. One of our obligations provided a $100,000 payment towards the Yucaipa Valley Wine Country Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report.
In the related MOU (Exhibit "B") we included a shared obligation to establish an Advisory Committee related to the Historic Casa Blanca Ranch House. This was an important topic for your Council and community members. The Advisory Committee will consist of my ownership group, two City Council members, and a Yucaipa Valley Historical Society Board member. The goals for the committee are as follows:
• Discuss future use of CBRH, access, & required site approvals. • Discuss scope of needed work and improvements.
• Develop a budget and possible "participation agreement" • Potential shared efforts for funding, including pursuing grant funds.
There are also several other provisions (First Right of Refusal, Historical Registration, and preservation funding commitment) that are triggered by the YVWCSP EIR approval, certification, and adoption by the City of Yucaipa.
There is still mutual interest for this advisory committee, but time is of the essence due to the deteriorating condition of the Historic Casa Blanca Ranch House, and our group's need to determine a direction for this iconic landmark.
Our request would confirm the appointment of committee members and your assistance in this important conversation. If you can please provide some timely directions on this issue, it would be appreciated.
Respectfully,
knaJan Weld
Manaing McTber
attached (12)