REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 25, 2015
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
CRAIG L. HANSEN, Supervising Real Estate Agent
Public Works Department, Real Estate Services Section
BY: PETE CALDWELL, Senior Real Estate Agent
Public Works Department, Real Estate Services Section
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the acquisition of a 0.44-acre easement and right-of-way for a public recycled water pipeline from property, owned by Gunnar R. and Martha L. Nielsen and located at 760 S. Cornelia Avenue (County of Fresno)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approves the acquisition of an easement on property owned by Gunnar R. and Martha L. Nielsen for the construction of a recycled water pipeline. Staff also recommends that the Council authorizes the Public Works Director, or his designee, to sign all documents necessary to complete the transaction as delegated by City Manager.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Wastewater Management Division, is seeking the City Council approval to acquire an easement and right-of-way adjacent to Cornelia Avenue to install a new recycled water pipeline. The property is owned by Gunnar R. and Martha L. Nielsen. The land owners have agreed to provide the easement in exchange for a payment of $15,300. The Recycled Water Distribution System, Southwest Quadrant, Phase 1 project is currently being designed and anticipated to bid in September 2015.
BACKGROUND
On June 27, 2013, the City Council approved a design contract for the Recycled Water Distribution System, Southwest Quadrant. The distribution pipeline originates at the Fresno/Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility and conveys tertiary treated recycled water to the southwest part of the City for non-potable reuse, groundwater recharge, and agricultural uses. This project will help the City meet the State mandated use of recycled water to offset potable water reliance. This segment of the recycled water pipeline is planned to be constructed in the Cornelia Avenue right-of-way between California Avenue and Kearney Boulevard, which is outside of the City limits in Fresno County. An easement for the pipeline is needed from land owned by Gunnar R. and Martha L. Nielsen. The Nielsen's have agreed to provide the City with the easement for a payment of $15,300. The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed Purchase and Sale Agreement. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the recycled water pipeline easement acquisition.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Council on December 18, 2014, item 2-C adopted a finding of Mitigated Negative Declaration, pursuant to Sections 15178(b)(1) and (2), of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines for the Recycled Water Distribution System.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because the acquisition of this property does not include a bid or award of construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact on the General Fund. Funds were budgeted and are available in the 2015 Sewer Enterprise Fund No. 40501.
Attachment:
APN Vicinity Map