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RESOLUTION 2017-248 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A 0.20 ACRE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1095 ALPINE AVENUE FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES INCLUDING THE POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FIRE STATION TO REPLACE EXISTING STATION 9 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE THEREFOR (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
This item asks City Council to approve the City’s acquisition of a vacant parcel located at 1095 Alpine Avenue, Chula Vista, for public purposes. City staff’s primary intent is to explore the feasibility of developing the property into a new fire station to replace existing Fire Station 9. Alternative uses for this parcel include a cellular communications site, a pocket park or a staging site for public works projects. The site would be purchased “as is” for a purchase price of $360,000. This is considered an “opportunity purchase” by City staff as the existing owner has clearly indicated his intent to immediately develop the property for private purposes if the City were to decide not to buy the property at this time.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15303 Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and/or Section 15332 Class 32 (In-Fill Development Projects).
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and/or Section 15332 Class 32 (In-Fill Development Projects). Thus, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Built in 1961, the current Fire Station Nine (266 East Oneida Street) is past its useful life. Over the last few years, this Fire Station has been occupied intermittently due to sewer back up, flooding and asbestos/ mold presence. The facility lacks separate sleeping quarters, appropriate access to multiple restrooms, and does not meet the code requirements of an Essential Services Building.
As a result, the City contemplated options for building a new Fire Station. The Fire Department determined that the current site at one-half acre and only 77 feet wide was not adequately sized or configured to accommodate a modern Fire Station. The Fire Department used Deccan Software, a powerful decision support analytics tool used to locate fire resources, to determine the best possible location for a new Fire Station. The site identified by Deccan, and concurrently validated by the Fire Department's management team, is superior to the current site as it: a) achieves better geographic distribution relative to other Fire Department resources, and b) improves the Department's ability to cover the concentration of fire and emergency medical calls for services. This property, located at 1095 Alpine Avenue and is currently identified as Assessor’s Parcel No. 619-100-23-00.
The site itself comprises only about 8,700 square feet (0.20 acre) but when combined with excess City owned right-of-way to the north and west a site of approximately one acre can be created. This size and configuration will accommodate a modern fire station. A conceptual plot of one possible layout is attached to this report to show how the sight could be utilized, incorporating the City’s excess land. If fire station development were determined to be infeasible or undesirable at the site, alternative City uses include a cellular communications site, a pocket park or a staging site for public works projects.
Based upon this analysis, staff commenced negotiations with the current owner and reached an agreement, subject to Council approval, to purchase this site for $360,000 on an “as-is” basis. City is currently completing its due diligence and investigation regarding the physical condition of the Property, including but not limited to a Phase 1 analysis, and the legal condition of the property. The parties have agreed that these investigations will need to be completed prior to finalizing the written agreement and the opening of escrow.
Staff estimates the market value of the site to be approximately $280,000 based upon recent comparable sales of similar properties. Although the proposed purchase price of $360,000 is above market value, staff feels that this is justified due to the unique suitability of the site for the proposed public uses. The City also has the ability to increase this site in size to a one acre parcel at little expense. As a one acre parcel this site clearly justifies the purchase price.
Although the seller has agreed to the primary terms of sale, the final terms and conditions of the written agreement have not been finalized as of the date this report. Accordingly, this item asks for City Council approval of the purchase terms presented, with the delegation of authority to staff to finalize and execute the actual written purchase agreement consistent with City Council’s approval and in a final form approved by the City Attorney.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the properties which are the subject of this action. Consequently, these items do not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100,et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This decision is in direct alignment with the City of Chula Vista's Strategic Goal of Strong and Secure Neighborhoods, which is critical to "ensuring a vibrant and sustainable quality of life for Chula Vista residents and businesses."
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this purchase will result in an impact to the General Fund reserves of approximately $350,000 in the current fiscal year. Impacts to the General Fund can be offset through the sale of the 266 East Oneida Street site or Measure P could be considered to reimburse the General Fund reserves. In order to avoid delays in purchasing the site, these options can be considered in a future item.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact created by this purchase as it is a one-time expenditure. If the City proceeds with the construction and operation of the proposed new Fire Station, this would be approved by the City Council and funded by separate actions.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Rick Ryals, Real Property Manager