Consider Analysis of Dedicated City Owned Lands

As part of the 2011-2012 City Council strategic goals staff was tasked with developing an inventory of surplus City owned land with the ultimate goal of disposing properties that were no longer needed for current or future City functions; in accordance with the recently adopted Policy for the Disposition of City Owned Land.

The purpose of this case is to consider further examination of all dedicated/restricted properties identified in the City owned land inventory process.

As a result of the City owned land inventory, 38 properties were identified as unneeded for current or future city functions (surplus City owned land). 22 of those 38 properties are legally dedicated or restricted; typically, "dedicated for a public purpose/use forever."  These dedicated properties are legally restricted and will require a court ruling to remove title encumbrances. In order for the City to dispose of the 22 dedicated properties staff will need to work through the following process:

(A) Develop detailed property profiles and analysis; including public input and usage levels.  NOTE: this step is 35% done.  To complete this step, staff will need to send out a letter to surrounding property owners of all 22 dedicated parcels, hold public input forums, document usage levels and attain owner and encumbrance reports for about about 14 of the 22 properties.  Completing step "A" will take a notable time and human resources and will cost an estimated $2,800 for owner and encumbrance reports.

(B) Take dedicated properties to court and attempt to remove restrictions.  NOTE: In order to save money staff recommends all properties be brought forward in one case..  The City attorney will be present at the meeting to answer any questions regarding the court process. (i.e. cost, time, etc.).

(C) Return properties with free and clear title to original owners.  In the event the original owners do not want the properties, the City could  retain ownership if agreeable with to the original owner or current  representative.

(D) Begin disposition process.  If the City retains ownership, the process would continue as indicated in the Policy for the Disposition of City Owned Land.

NOTE: Per Council direction, staff is attemping to contact any known property owners and this process continues. To date no  agreements have been made to convey the subject property to the City.

A reference map of the 22 identified dedicated/restricted properties is included in this case.  A breakdown of the 38 properties identified in the City owned land inventory, along with their status, is also included in the case (see the bottom of "master City owned land snap shot" attachment.

Provide staff with direction regarding the analysis of the 22 identified dedicated/restricted City owned properties; specifically, regarding item "A" in the proposed process.

The proposed project is considered the Management Analyst's normal job duties.  A funding source for owner and encumbrance reports has not been identified.

Provide staff with direction regarding the analysis of the 22 identified dedicated/restricted City owned properties; specifically, regarding item "A" in the proposed process.