REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL August 27, 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 SUBJECTS ..Title Actions related to acquisition of property owned by Pangthong Aphayvong: 1. Adoption of environmental finding of Categorically Exempt from Environmental Assessment No. EA-14-023 (Council District 3) 2. Acquisition of right-of-way for public street purposes from property owned by Pangthong Aphayvong in the amount of $16,600 3. Authorizing to give Public Works Director, or his designee, authority to sign all documents necessary to complete the transaction as delegated by City Manager ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Adopt the environmental finding of Categorically Exempt from the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to Article 19 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines prepared for Environmental Assessment No. EA-14-023. 2. Approve acquisition of right-of-way for public street purposes from property owned by Pangthong Aphayvong in the amount of $16,600. 3. Authorize the Public Works Director, or his designee, to sign all documents necessary to complete the transaction as delegated by City Manager. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Fresno has been awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to improve Roy Avenue, Almy Avenue, and Clara Avenue near Fig Avenue. Additional street right-of-way is needed on the northeast corner of Fig and Almy to install sidewalks and a handicap ramp. The Real Estate Division contacted the land owner and negotiated a purchase price of $16,600 for the additional right-of-way. Staff recommends that the City Council approves the acquisition, and designates the Public Works Director, or his designee, to sign all documents to compete the transaction. Staff also recommends that the City Council adopts the environmental finding of Categorically Exempt. BACKGROUND The Public Works Department is preparing plans for improvements to Almy Street and Roy Street near the intersection of North Avenue and Fig Avenue. This area was developed in the County several years ago and most of the homes do not have curb and gutter. The project will include new curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lights, and pavement on Almy and Roy between Fig and Clara. Work will also be performed on Clara between Almy and North Avenue. Self-Help Enterprises built several new homes for low income families on Clara a few years ago and is planning to construct a small park on property that they own on Almy Avenue. The City's street project and the new park will significantly improve the appearance and safety in a neighborhood that has deteriorated and has several blighted properties. Additional street right-of-way is needed on the northeast corner of Fig Avenue and Almy Avenue to install a handicap ramp and sidewalks. City staff from the Real Estate Division contacted the landowner (Mr. Pangthong Aphayvong) and negotiated a purchase price of $16,600. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Staff has performed a preliminary assessment of this project (EA14-023) and has determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth under Section 15301 (Class 1/Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (Class 3/New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Furthermore, staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, section 15300.2 apply this project. 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 The Roy / Almy Street Project is being funded with Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG). CDBG funds can only be used in used in low income neighborhoods. There is no impact on the General Fund. Funds were budgeted and are available in Department of Public Works project PW00694, Fund 20501 and Org 402182. Attachment: APN Vicinity Map