To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Introduction of an Ordinance to Delegate Authority for Certain Real Property Acquisitions - First Read
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution introducing, reading the title of, and waiving the reading of an ordinance to add a new section to Chapter 2, Division 8 (Road Commissioner) of the Sonoma County Code to delegate authority to the Director of Transportation and Public Works to acquire and accept any interest in real property in connection with the construction, maintenance and repair of County-maintained roads, bridges and other public facilities, subject to certain conditions.
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Executive Summary:
Currently most real estate transactions associated with construction, repair, or maintenance of County transportation infrastructure require Board of Supervisors approval regardless of cost. However, it would be more efficient to approve many of these transactions (easements, fee title, etc.) at the department level, as they are routine in nature, and minimal in cost. Therefore, the Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) is requesting delegated authority to acquire and accept any interest in real property subject to certain conditions established by the Board in order to accelerate project delivery and reduce administrative costs.
The delegated authority will be codified as Section 2-28.1 in the Sonoma County Code.
Discussion:
TPW manages critical services and infrastructure including roads, bridges, public transit, a commercial airport, multiple waste disposal sites, water systems, and regulation of local air quality and emissions. During the past four years, the County has experienced four federally declared disasters, requiring both temporary and permanent repairs to County infrastructure. Many times, such repairs are funded through State and Federal grants with strict timelines for completion of approved work. Failure to meet these timelines jeopardizes grant funding and could result in project costs being shifted to the local jurisdiction.
Currently, TPW is managing over 100 infrastructure projects in the County, many of which will require some form of property acquisition (temporary and permanent easements, fee title, etc.) to complete. Currently, each of these real estate transactions requires Board of Supervisors approval. However, many of these transactions are routine in nature, inexpensive (less than $1,000) and could be delegated to the Department Director in order to streamline project delivery.
Under Government Code section 25350.60, a board of supervisors may, by ordinance, authorize county officers to approve and accept for the county any acquisition of real property interests, subject to conditions and dollar limits established by the board.
In order to facilitate the efficient completion of infrastructure, reduce costs and staff time, and to assist in meeting Federal or State timelines, staff recommends adoption of the attached ordinance. If adopted, the ordinance will delegate property acquisition authority to the Director of Transportation and Public Works where the cost of the acquired property does not exceed $25,000 and otherwise is in accordance with the other conditions stated therein. The proposed delegation is limited to property acquisitions that are necessary for the construction, maintenance or repair of County roads, bridges or other public facilities maintained by TPW
Alternatives:
Board may not approve the attached ordinance. The result of such action will be continuing costs for staff time to bring acquisition items forward, and likely continuing time delay of projects.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
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FY 20-21 Adopted |
FY21-22 Projected |
FY 22-23 Projected |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this Board Item. The adoption of delegated acquisition authority will accelerate project timelines and minimize staff time in the performance of infrastructure projects. Funding/approval for specific real estate transactions will be obtained through the standard County procurement process, up to and including Board action.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Resolution; Ordinance
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None