REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TYLER MAXWELL, Councilmember
City Council Department
BY: LAURA GARCIA, Chief of Staff to District 4
City Council Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the purchase of El Dorado Park:
1. Adopt a finding that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the Commonsense Exemption set forth in the CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3).
2. Approve a Real Property Purchase and Sale Agreement and Escrow Instructions between the City of Fresno and Wesley United Methodist Church for the purchase of El Dorado Park.
3. Approve an Agreement and Covenant between the City of Fresno and Wesley United Methodist Church.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council approve the following items: (1) Adopt a finding that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the Commonsense Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3); (2) Approve a Real Property Purchase and Sale Agreement and Escrow Instructions between the City of Fresno and Wesley United Methodist Church for the purchase of El Dorado Park; and (3) Approve an Agreement and Covenant between the City of Fresno and Wesley United Methodist Church.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) states that a project is exempt from CEQA if its "covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
The Purchase and Sale Agreement is for the purchase of interest in El Dorado Park, which the City is currently leasing and operating as a park. This approval does not propose any physical change to the site. In addition, no changes will be made to the use of the property. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty this approval will not have a significant effect on the environment and this action is exempt...
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