TO: Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
FROM: Richard Thomasser - District Manager
REPORT BY: Richard Thomasser - District Manager
SUBJECT: Purchase and Sale Agreements for the Napa River Estuary Enhancement and Public Access Project
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Purchase and Sale Agreement No. 240292B (FC) with Ailene M. Pritchett and Agreement No. 240291B (FC) with Ailene M. Pritchett, Mary Delzompo, Linda Barbosa, and Christy Mary Stewart to purchase property necessary for the Napa River Estuary Enhancement and Public Access Project and authorize the District Manager to sign and execute any additional documents necessary to complete the Project. (Fiscal Impact: $5,025,000 Expense; Flood Projects - Measure A Fund; Budgeted; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
Previously, at the February 2, 2021 District Board meeting, District staff presented information regarding the potential purchase of 57.8 acres of vineyard lands and open space adjacent to the District owned and managed South Napa Wetlands Restoration Area for the proposed Napa River Acquisition Project (Project). Following the presentation, the Board directed staff to pursue grant funding for acquisition and restoration of the 57.8 acres of land with the goal of restoring wetlands and creating new public open space and access to the Napa River and surrounding wetlands.
The District was successful in obtaining necessary grant funds and at subsequent meetings the Board approved acceptance of grant funds from the California Coastal Conservancy for $2,512,500 and the CA State Parks Department, Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program for $2,550,000 to complete the purchase of the four properties based on a total fair market appraised value of $5,025,000. The Board also provided the District authority to make an offer, based on the fair market appraised value, to purchase the four subject properties. The property owners have accepted the District’s offers to purchase the subject properties, County Counsel approved the purchase and sale agreements, and the property owners have signed them.
Once the properties are purchased, the District’s goal is to seek additional grant funds to restore the Project area back to wetland habitat and public open space while also providing opportunities for passive recreation. In the interim, the levee road on these lands will be opened to the public for passive recreation on a limited basis. Once additional grant funds are secured for design and restoration construction phases of the Project, the area will be open for public use in accordance with the Project design.
Requested Actions:
1. Approve and authorize the following Purchase and Sale Agreements:
a. Agreement No. 240292B (FC) with Ailene M. Pritchett, for the value of $1,000,000 (Assessor's Parcel No. 043-103-020);
b. Agreement No. 240291B (FC) with Ailene M. Pritchett, Mary Delzompo, Linda Barbosa, and Christy Mary Stewart, for the value of $4,025,000 (Assessor's Parcel Nos. 043-103-007, 043-103-021, 043-103-022) to purchase property necessary for the Napa River Estuary Enhancement and Public Access Project; and
2. Authorize the District Manager to act on behalf of the Chair to sign and execute any additional agreements or instruments necessary to complete the Project.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Fund 8000, Division 80011 |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
At the February 2, 2021, District Board meeting, the Board directed staff to pursue grant funding for acquisition and restoration of 57.8 acres of land in proximity to the District’s existing South Napa Wetlands Restoration Area |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
District staff time for administration of grant funds; future grant funds would be pursued for the planning and implementation phases of the Project. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Project would not be completed. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The project consists of purchasing four parcels constituting 57.8-acres of land. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the District has determined that the proposed property purchase meets the criteria for eligibility under a categorical exemption pursuant to California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15316 (a) (transfer of ownership of land in order to create parks).