COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

 

DATE:

November 16, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 7, 2004

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Four-fifths vote

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Steve Alms, Manager, Real Property Services Division

SUBJECT:

Quitclaim of Interest in Ralston Avenue Right of Way, Belmont

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Board President to execute a Quitclaim Deed granting any interest the County may have in a portion of the Ralston Avenue Right of Way to the City of Belmont and authorizing the County Manager or designee to execute any documents necessary to complete the transfer.

 

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: The transfer keeps the commitment of Responsive, Effective and Collaborative Government.

Goal(s): 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

The transfer contributes to this commitment and goal by providing local control of property intended for public use.

 

BACKGROUND:

In the early 1940s the County of San Mateo acquired various parcels of land along Ralston Avenue in Belmont for the purpose of helping the City of Belmont improve the alignment of the street. There was a subsequent realignment in the early 1970s and other improvements have been made over time. Records indicate that the lands were probably acquired with fuel tax monies, which were also used for subsequent improvements.

Although the right of way has been transferred to the city, an unimproved 2,200 square foot portion of Lot 11, Block 66, Map 4 that lies within the right of way that was purchased in the 1940s remains vested in the County of San Mateo according to a recent title search.

 

DISCUSSION:

The small parcel of land that remains from the 1940s acquisition is now within the city limits of the City of Belmont. It is not necessary for county purposes and deeding the County’s interest to the City will eliminate County liability and any potential cloud on the title to the property.

Pursuant to Section 25365 of the California Government Code, the County’s Board of Supervisors may, by a four-fifths vote, convey any interest in property owned by the County to the City. This action also requires publication of a notice pursuant to Section 6061 at least one week prior thereto in a general circulation newspaper published in the county.

The City has indicated its willingness to accept the property.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact to the County. The property is unencumbered and it is not clear whether the City or the County paid to acquire the land in the 1940s.