HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-11-13; Water Committee Ad Hoc; Minutesf ^CIAL MEETING RE: SALE OF
CERTAIN PROPERTY IN SAN
LUIS RET VALLEY.
Water Committee Meeting
Minutes of the Hater Committee meeting held November 13, 1968.
The meeting was called to order by Cmn. Neiswender, Chairman, at
7:45 P.M.
Members present were: Cmn. Neiswender, Attorney Wilson, Ass't
City Engineer Spano, William Cannon and General Snedeker, City
Manager Martin and Cmn. McComas.
Cmn. Neiswender stated that he called this meeting because he wanted
some ideas for those present on the offer to purchase City property
located in San Luis Rey Valley. Cmn. Neiswender stated that it was
his feeling that anytime City property is involved, there is more
responsibility because the property belongs to the citizens and should
be protected as much as possible. He also relayed his reluctance to
sell any property which would be beneficial to the people.
The Ass't City Engineer stated that a sump for storing water from
San Luis Rey wells is located upon this parcel of property. He ex-
plained in detail how the system works and where it is pumped to be-
fore it reaches its destination. The parcel of land that is involved
is 340 x 350 sq. ft. Mr. Spano explained that San Luis Rey Valley is
growing and will continue to grow and that the new highway going
through the valley will eventually swing back up into Mission Avenue.
It appears that El Camino East and Fousset Road would be a good location
for an interchange. He feels that the City should hold onto this
parcel and the facilities on it for the time being.
Cmn. McComas inquired as to the nature of the offer made, and the
City Manager stated that no formal offer has been made but that he does
have some correspondence from the real estate agent handling negotia-
tions on this matter and that the offer is a standing offer of $150,000
for 2 acres of the 2 3/4 acre parcel and they would withstand the cost
of relocating the pump, sump and other appurtenances necessary to the
water power station to the southwest corner.
Mr. Cannon stated that if only 2 acres were purchased by the proposed
buyer, the remaining 3/4 acre would be of little value to anyone and
also the City does not know if they can move it into that one corner.
Mr. Cannon stated that it appeared possible that in the future, that
pumping station would need to expand and there would be no room to
do so if the land was sold. Also, if the pumping station was relocated,
it would be necessary to have a large enough piece of land for maintenance
of trucks, etc.
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Mr. Martin stated that (according to the map he presented) it
appeared that the plans for the new San Luis Rey Valley freeway
will come from the East straight into the area being discussed and
that would have to be the interchange location. That corner appears
to be the whole key and would certainly be worth more than $50,000
even if it was purchased for a service station site. Mr. Neiswender
inquired what the $50,000 would do to the city budget. Mr. Martin
stated that it would more likely go into the water fund. The City
Attorney confirmed that this would seem to be the proper place.
A question was raised about the fact that the City does not have
clear title to the property yet and the City Attorney stated that
the City does have the deed to the property and that there does not
seem to be any problem in the City obtaining clear title to this
parcel of property. The City Attorney explained how the City acquired
the land and why we do not have clear title to it now.
The City Manager presented the figures from the Water Department
budget, how much was in the Water Fund and how much in reserve and
stated that according to the audit by Mr. Carroll, the City Auditor,
the Water Department was in good shape financially.
Mr. Neiswender stated if the Water Department is in good shape and
as it appears there is a potential development in San Luis Rey Valley ,
he felt that there is no big rush to sell this land.
It was determined at this meeting that the City has four wells in
San Luis Rey Valley, three that are in good condition.
Mr. Cannon stated that all of the land in San Luis Rey Valley is
a reservoir and in ten years or less when the valley is really built
up there will be good water in those wells. He explained that the way
San Luis Rey Valley is building, when the water comes down from the
mountains, it will cause the pressure to push the salt water out and
will result in better water for this area. He also stated that water
is the most important resource in Southern California.
Mr. Snedeker stated that it was his understanding that this offer
to purchase did not include purchase of the City's water rights and
he was informed by the City Manager that this is true.
Cmn. McComas stated that he felt that the Committee would like to
have more details on this property and future development of the area
around it. He stated that what impressed him the most was the new
San Luis Rey Valley freeway that is coming thought the area. He stated
he felt the Water Systems Improvement Committee should be informed
as to what conclusion this group has reached.
The City Attorney stated that a resolution for the sale of this
land will be presented at the next Council meeting and that members
of tonight's meeting should let their feelings and reasons for their
feelings be known to the Water Systems Improvement Committee and
the City Counci 1 .
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Cmn. McComas stated that the Water Systems Improvement Committee
will be meeting prior to the next Council meeting and most likely
will come to their decision regarding the sale of this land.
Cmn. Neiswender stated that this meeting was called strictly for
information purposes and opinions of those present and that no
decision would be made by members present at this meeting.
The City Attorney stated that if the land is sold, it would be
sold contingent on the City obtaining clear title to this parcel
of property.
SUMMARY:
It was the feeling of members present at this meeting that at this
time it would be in the best interest of the public not to sell this
parcel of property in San Luis Rey Valley for the following reasons:
3.
4.
The financial
standing.
The remaining
and it is not
moved in that
conditions of the Water Department is in good
3/4 acre would be
know if the pump,
particular corner,
of little value to the City
sump and appurtenances can be
If the water facilities are relocated to the
it is not felt that this will be enough land
and their trucks, etc.
remaining 3/4 acres,
for the work crews
As it appears, according to the map presented, the Freeway in
San Luis Rey will be coming through in the near future, will
cause the rise in value since it would be a possible interchange
intersecti on.
Respectfully submitted,
v—-ff • >^x' /p °. /<; J
NORA K. DANIELS
Recording Secretary