REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
November 20, 2014
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division
BY: CRAIG L. HANSEN, Supervising Real Estate Agent
Public Works Department, Real Estate Services Section
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to a sale of a portion of excess property in the San Joaquin River bottom just east of Fig Garden Golf Course:
1. Adopt a finding of a categorical exemption pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301(c) (existing facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a grant deed for the sale of a portion of excess property in the amount of $25,000.00 to Michael and Jeanne Adams located on the former Fresno Traction Company right of way, now known as River Bottom Road, just east of Fig Garden Golf Course in the San Joaquin River bottom APN 405-030-XR
Body
RECOMMENDATION
To approve the sale of 0.315 acres of excess City property located in the San Joaquin River bottom just east of Fig Garden Golf Course to Michael and Jeanne Adams for $25,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Michael and Jeanne Adams attempted to purchase the property located on the former Fresno Traction Company right of way, now known as River Bottom Road, just east of Fig Garden Golf Course in the San Joaquin River bottom APN 405-030-XR ("Property") from Fresno County years ago, but the County instead sold the property to the City of Fresno in 1991. It has since sat unused and vacant. Due to individuals loitering and recent fires, one of which burned down the house of the Adams' neighbor, the Adams approached the City about purchasing a portion of the right of way which abuts the back of their existing property. Staff agreed to sell the Property to the Adams for the internal appraised price of $25,000, pending approval by the City Council.
BACKGROUND
The Fresno Traction Company operated trolley cars in and around Fresno from 1904 to 1939. River Bottom Road was a trolley line which transported the public to an amusement park operated in the area. After the amusement park folded and the Fresno Traction Company went out of business, the Property was transferred to Fresno County. In 1991, the City of Fresno acquired the Property from Fresno County for $17,000. Over the next 20+ years the Property sat unused and the foliage began accumulating. In 2011, the area experienced a series of fires allegedly set by pedestrians who were loitering along the old right of way. Concerned by the threat to neighboring homes, Michael and Jeanne Adams offered to purchase a portion of the old rail bed from the City of Fresno for an internal appraised price of $25,000. The Adams plan to acquire only the portion that abuts their property, reduce the fire danger by cutting back some of the overgrown foliage and take the necessary precautions to keep people from loitering. The Property is free of any liens or bonds and the proceeds will be deposited into the General Fund. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the purchase and sale agreement along with the grant deed as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The project falls within the Class 1 Categorical Exemption set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301(c) as the subject property has been vacant for decades and the new owners are not intending to improve the property once escrow closes. Furthermore, none of the exceptions to the Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because the City's sale of the Property does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City of Fresno will net approximately $25,000 of General Fund revenue from the sale of the Property.
Attachment: Aerial photo of subject property