To:   HONORABLE MAYOR AND                   From:   Katy Allen

                        CITY COUNCIL                                                        Dale Foster

 

   Subject:   LAND ACQUISITION FOR                      Date:   12-04-03

                        RELOCATION OF FIRE

                        STATION 17

 

Council District:  9

 

REASON FOR ADDENDUM

 

In order to expediently execute the purchase agreement, staff requests Council’s action at its December 16, 2003 meeting.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to (1) execute all documents related to the purchase of a property, located at 12395 Blossom Hill Road, for a purchase amount of $1,040,000 and (2) to settle any relocation claims stemming from the City’s purchase of that property.

CEQA:  Exempt, PP03-11-364.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

In March 2002, the voters in San José passed the “Neighborhood Security Bond Act” which approved the issuance of $159 million in General Obligation Bonds to fund the construction of various Public Safety facilities.  One of the items funded under the Bond Act is the construction of four new fire stations to replace four existing stations.

 

The four existing stations to be replaced are currently located in older single-family residential facilities that are inadequate for continued use as fire stations.  The new stations will be constructed to essential facility standards and will substantially improve living and working conditions for the firefighters. 

 

In addition to improving the facility, the Fire Department is also making every effort to improve the overall emergency response performance for the area affected by the relocation.  For each relocation project, a search area is defined in the effort to locate an appropriate parcel. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

This report recommends purchase of a parcel located at 12395 Blossom Hill Road as the site for the relocation of Fire Station 17, currently located at 1494 Ridgewood Drive, near the intersection of Dent Avenue and Kooser Road.  This site is located approximately .66 miles from the existing fire station.

 

The criteria staff used in determining prospective sites for the relocation of Station 17 are:

 

·        Adequate size – approximately ½ acre to accommodate this size station and required parking

·        Performance improvement in the delivery of emergency response services to the immediate area and the broader community.

·        Effective and safe ingress and egress for fire apparatus, especially in responding to emergencies.

·        Minimal disruption to the existing area, and compatibility with nearby businesses and residences.

 

The recommended site effectively meets the above criteria. The property is located at the intersection of Blossom Hill Road and Coniston Way, and as a corner lot maximizes the efficient use of property for fire vehicle maneuvering as well as providing signalized access onto Blossom Hill Road.

 

The selected site currently has a single family residence used as a rental and is occupied by a tenant.  The current tenants may qualify for relocation benefits.  The amount of the benefits is to be determined by their current income and the difference between the current and market rent for similar units.  Staff estimates that total relocation costs should not exceed $100,000.

 

Staff recommends that the existing building be removed and a new two-story structure be built to house the Fire Station.  The east side of the parcel borders a vacant lot that is owned by the City Housing Department and is planned for approximately seven, two-story housing units.  The north side of the property backs up to an existing complex of two-story town homes.  The construction project for Fire Station 17 is scheduled to award in May 2005 with an expected completion date of September 2006.

 

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

Outreach will be completed as part of the planning process for the Fire Department’s proposed improvements on the property.

 

 

COORDINATION

 

This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, the City Manager’s Budget Office and the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement.

 

 

COST IMPLICATIONS

 

Following the receipt of an independent appraisal, staff has concluded just compensation to be $1,040,000.  Staff is also recommending approval to spend up to $100,000 for moving payments and a rental supplement as required by state law for relocation costs associated with the purchase.

 

Almost $5 million of the Neighborhood Security Act bond proceeds is earmarked for fire station land acquisition, of which $4.4 million is budgeted in 2003-2004.  These funds will be used where necessary to acquire land for four new fire stations and four relocated fire stations.  This acquisition will be the first completed land transaction and is within the budget for relocating Fire Station 17.

 

 

BUDGET REFERENCE

 

 

Fund #

 

Appn #

 

Appn Name

 

Total Appn.

Amount For Contract

Adopted 2003-2004 Capital Budget

Last Budget Action, Date Ord.No.

475

4550
Land Acquisition – Fire Stations

$4,388,000

$1,145,000

Page 287

10/14/03

Ord. No. 26997

 

 

CEQA

 

Exempt, PP03-11-364.

 

 

KATY ALLEN                                                                        DALE FOSTER

Director, Public Works Department                                          Acting Fire Chief, Fire Department