To: HONORABLE MAYOR AND From: Sara L. Hensley
CITY COUNCIL
Subject: SEE BELOW Date: 11-12-03
Council District: 6
SNI Area: N/A
SUBJECT: |
FUND TRANSFER AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA FOR POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY ASSOCIATED WITH THE WILLOW GLEN SPUR TRAIL PROJECT |
REASON FOR ADDENDUM
In order to meet a commitment to process the subject agreement in advance of the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisor’s scheduled approval, staff requests Council’s approval of the agreement at its November 18 meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a fund transfer agreement with the County of Santa Clara (County) for the receipt of $2,000,000 for the acquisition of property associated with the Willow Glen Spur Trail Project.
BACKGROUND
The City is currently investing significant resources in the development of a citywide trail network, that would ultimately result in 70 miles of interconnected trails for recreation and commute proposes. Staff sees a strategic opportunity to expand the trail network and provide access to a larger number of residents through the development of the Willow Glen Spur Trail.
A significant opportunity for further development of the City’s trail system has presented itself with Union Pacific Railroad’s decision[1] to abandon 2.85 miles of right-of-way in San Jose and offer that property for sale. Following the railroad’s decision, the City expressed its desire to preserve the alignment for trail use. Union Pacific afforded the City a six-month window in which to develop the required financing for possible acquisition of the property. To develop a trail along this alignment, staff should pursue the potential acquisition of the property in an expeditious manner as others may also have an interest in development of the property.
Over the past several months, staff has worked diligently to successfully obtain funds from the following sources:
· Open Space Authority - 20% Funds
· Trails, Parks and Open Space Grant Program (Santa Clara Valley Water District)
· Bond Program - Los Gatos Creek Trail Reach 4
In April, discussions were initiated with County staff. Councilmember Ken Yeager contacted Supervisor Blanca Alvarado’s office about funding opportunities. Resulting from these efforts, a commitment of $2,000,000 has been proposed. The funding would support future land acquisitions for trail development along the Willow Glen Spur Line. This transfer of funding is aligned with the County’s objectives set forth in its Strategic Plan for the Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan (Trails Master Plan). The plan identifies regional trail development as a high priority for implementation. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to act on this matter on November 25, 2003.
ANALYSIS
Development of the Willow Glen Spur Trail is of particular importance for development of a citywide trail system since it would provide an east-west trail alignment that could link the Los Gatos Creek Trail and the Guadalupe River Trail. A link to the Coyote Creek Trail is also feasible, however no funding sources have been identified for securing the railway right-of-way along that alignment and the VTA’s option on this property is scheduled to expire shortly.
The Willow Glen Spur Trail project is identified by the City’s “Greenprint” document, a twenty-year strategic plan for parks and community facilities and programs. The plan indicates that the property should be acquired when the railroad spur is abandoned.
Development of the segment along this alignment, from Lonus Street to Highway 87, appears to be the most viable at this time because of the following:
§ The alignment is near residential uses so the potential number of users is greater than in the industrial areas to the east of Highway 87.
§ Development of the land for other uses could prevent development of a trail. Two developers have already acquired lands from the railway near Highway 87. Staff is working with the Planning Department to ensure that sufficient right-of-way is reserved for creation of a continuous trail.
§ City Bond funds are developing a segment of the Los Gatos Creek Trail; those funds can be leveraged to secure property at the western terminus of the planned alignment.
The receipt of $2,000,000 from the County supports a funding strategy developed by staff that is in line with the appraised value of property being made available by the railway, assuming that there are no unforeseen problems with the property, including environmental problems discovered as a result of environmental testing that would have to precede any purchase of property.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Staff has presented this project to the City Council on the following dates to seek authorization to apply for grant funding:
· June 23, 2003 - Open Space Authority - 20% Funds
· May 27, 2003 - Trails, Parks and Open Space Grant Program (Santa Clara Valley Water District)
COORDINATION
This memorandum has been coordinated with the Real Estate Division of Public Works, the City Attorney’s Office, the City Manager’s Budget Office and the Environmental Section of Planning Building and Code Enforcement.
COST IMPLICATIONS
Upon acquisition of the necessary property, staff will seek funding for the design and construction of a trail. Upon completion, the trail will be incorporated into the City’s trail maintenance program. Annual funding for maintenance activities is anticipated to be $34,200 for the 2.85-mile alignment based on current maintenance estimates.
CEQA
Exempt, PP02-12-370.
SARA L. HENSLEY
Director of Parks, Recreation
and Neighborhood Services