City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution re-adopting a mitigated
negative declaration, reserving a utility easement, ordering the vacation of all of
Helms Avenue from Washington Boulevard, towards Venice Boulevard, to the City
limits of the City of Culver City, and rescinding Resolution no. 2002-R015.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant for this vacation request is Mr. Walter Marks, III, who has acquired all
properties on both sides of Helms Avenue between Washington and Venice
Boulevards. Mr. Marks is in the process of redeveloping the area and wishes to
include the area of Helms Avenue into his plans for development. Mr. Marks is
proceeding with the City of Los Angeles to record a Final Map that will define new lot
lines and eliminate Helms Avenue between the common City Limits line and Venice
Boulevard.
On February 25, 2002, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2002-R-015, which
authorized the vacation of that portion of Helms Avenue from Washington Boulevard
northerly to the City Limits of Culver City (Attachment 1). Prior to its recordation,
certain conditions stated in Resolution No. 2002-R-015, have to be met. First, the
applicant must submit a detailed plan for consideration of approval by the Public
Works Director/City Engineer and Planning Manager illustrating any physical
changes proposed to or near the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Helms
Avenue. This plan has been submitted but not approved. Second, the applicant
Meeting Date: 10/13/08 Item Number: A-6
AGENDA ITEM: Adoption of a Resolution Re-Adopting a Mitigated Negative
Declaration, Reserving a Utility Easement, Ordering the Vacation of all of Helms
Avenue from Washington Boulevard, Towards Venice Boulevard, to the City Limits
of the City of Culver City and Rescinding Resolution No. 2002-R015
Contact Person/Dept.: Andy O’Connell/PW Phone Number: (310) 253-5606
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification:
Master E-Mail Notification List e-mailed on (10/08/08) and Walter Marks, III, by
telephone on September 30, 2008.
Postcard Notices were mailed to all residents and occupants within a 500 foot radius of
the project site, extended to the end of the block, on September 29, 2008.
Department Approval:
Charles D. Herbertson (10/02/2008)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (10/07/08)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (10/08/08)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (10/08/08) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
must submit a traffic signal and striping plan for consideration and approval by the
Public Works Director/City Engineer indicating the required changes to the traffic
signal equipment and other operational details associated with the proposed street
vacation. This plan has been submitted but not approved. Third, the applicant must
submit a plan to the Culver City Fire Department and Culver City Police Department
demonstrating adequate emergency access. A preliminary plan has been submitted
to both Departments for review and has been returned with minor comments. As the
development plan becomes complete, final approval from both the Fire and Police
Departments is required.
DISCUSSION:
In preparation for recording of Resolution No. 2002-015 (which would occur when all
conditions have been met and concurrently with the applicant’s Final Map of the City
of Los Angeles’ portion of the property), it was discovered that the legal description
and plat map of that portion of Helms Avenue to be vacated in Culver City did not
accurately reflect the intent and physical description of the vacation. Additionally, a
field review of Helms Avenue determined that there are public utilities on both sides
of Helms Avenue. Adoption of the proposed Resolution will correct the legal
description and plat map for the portion of Helms Avenue to be vacated and provide
for a 60 foot wide public utility easement.
The notification and other procedural requirements established by the California
Environmental Quality Act for the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the California
Streets and Highways Code for this vacation have all been satisfied as part of the
noticing provided and proceedings completed for the February 25, 2002 City Council
hearing held on the related street vacation. Additionally, pursuant to the City
Council’s direction, postcard notices were mailed to all residents and occupants
within a 500 foot radius of the project site, extended to the end of the block, on
September 29, 2008.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There are no costs associated with the adoption of the proposed Resolution.
However, the vacation of Helms Avenue will relieve the City from the cost of
maintenance and liability.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. February 25, 2002 Staff report City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
2. Proposed Resolution
MOTION:
That the City Council:
Adopt a Resolution re-adopting a mitigated negative declaration, reserving a 60
foot wide utility easement, ordering the vacation of all of Helms Avenue from
Washington Boulevard, towards Venice Boulevard, to the city limits of the City of
Culver City, and rescinding Resolution No. 2002-015.