COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Board of Supervisors

 

DATE:

April 25, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 3, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

President Richard S. Gordon
Supervisor Jerry Hill

   

SUBJECT:

Resolution authorizing a long-term cooperative agreement between the County and the City of Redwood City for a license and grant of easement for the use, at less than fair market value, of real property at 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, California, in support of the historical renovation of the Old Courthouse and development of a public plaza to be known as “Courthouse Square”.

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing a long-term cooperative agreement between the County and the City of Redwood City for a license and grant of easement for the use, at less than fair market value, of real property at 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, California, in support of the historical renovation of the Old Courthouse and development of a public plaza to be known as “Courthouse Square”, and authorizing the County Manager, or designee, to accept, execute and/or agree to on behalf of the County, any and all amendments, notices, consents, approvals, easements, and documents in connection with the agreement in order to comply with the intent of the resolution and the agreement.

 

Vision Alignment

The agreement keeps the County’s commitment to responsive, effective and collaborative government, and goal number 22: County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County. The agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by establishing a cooperative agreement with Redwood City that ensures the restoration of the historic County Courthouse and the creation of a vital new public plaza.

 


Background

For at least 15 years, there have been discussions about removing the Depression era annexes to the historic Count Courthouse, and restoring the historic character of the landmark building that was originally completed in 1910. The Historic Courthouse Restoration Committee held regular meetings from November 2000 through September of 2003, when the committee merged its efforts with the San Mateo Historical Association.

 

The City of Redwood City has completed a renovation plan that includes reconstruction of the original portico and steps leading toward Broadway, and construction of a public plaza between the Courthouse and the street. Most recently, the City has identified funding for the project, and completed the necessary environmental review.

 

More recently we have conducted several meetings with the mayor, board members and staff of the City, and coordinated with the Historical Association, to establish a shared vision for the historic resource. As a result, staff was asked to prepare a long-term agreement to reflect the agreements reached in those meetings and to facilitate execution of the project by the City.

 

Discussion

The “Cooperative Agreement” with the City, granted for nominal consideration, will facilitate restoration of the Courthouse, which is a nationally registered landmark. With the construction of Courthouse Square, the project will create a vibrant and inviting gathering place for casual use or special events.

 

The agreement grants an easement and license to the City, sufficient property rights to complete the renovation and construction project, and the County will retain ownership of the property. The initial term of the agreement is 55 years, and the term will automatically renew for four successive ten-year terms unless cancelled by this Board or the City Council one year before a renewal date.

 

The City will spend approximately $9,000,000 to demolish the old annex, reconstruct the façade of the Courthouse and construct Courthouse Square. Work is scheduled to commence immediately upon execution of this agreement. Upon completion, the City will hold complete responsibility to operate and maintain the plaza.

 

Fiscal Impact

The easement and license are granted at less than fair market value. The County will benefit from reconstruction of the Courthouse façade by the City at an estimated cost of $4,500,000.

cc/enc: Lee Thompson, Deputy County Counsel