Title
Introduction of Ordinance Approving a Second Amendment to the Lease with Greenway Golf Associates, Inc., a California Corporation, for Chuck Corica Golf Complex to Adjust Lease Area to Include the Old Fire Training Tower. [Requires Four Affirmative Votes] (Recreation and Parks 280)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Greenway Golf Associates (Greenway) is nearing completion of the North Course after successfully completing the Par 3 Course, Driving Range, and South Course. Greenway would like to improve the main entrance area to the Chuck Corica Golf Complex (Golf Complex). Greenway’s intention is to make improvements to the dilapidated fire training tower (Tower) prior to June 2022. If approved, Greenway will take full financial responsibility for any removal or improvement of the Tower and it surrounding area.
BACKGROUND
In July 2012, the City Council approved a 20-year lease with an option for a five-year extension with the City of Alameda (City) and Greenway for operation and maintenance of the Golf Complex, after an extensive RFP process.
On March 20, 2018, the City Council approved a first amendment to the lease to extend the lease term and require additional drainage and improvements to the North Course as well as improvements to the clubhouse, golf shop, and patio space.
On May 18, 2021, the City Council heard this item and requested staff to return with requested revisions on June 1, 2021. The revisions to the second amendment are described below.
DISCUSSION
Greenway has completed renovation of the Mif Albright 9-Hold Par 3 Course, Driving Range, and South Course. Renovation of the back nine holes on the North Course are anticipated to be completed in June 2022. Greenway has stated their intent to complete these holes as well as the Clubhouse and associated buildings in the same timeframe. Greenway approached the City with a proposal to improve the area where the dilapidated Tower sits at the main entry of the Golf Complex at Island Drive and Clubhouse Memorial Road. Greenway would like to have these improvements completed prior to the grand re-opening of the North Course. The Tower area is not part of the current lease, but is a cornerstone to the Golf Complex entry. Based on these points, Greenway is intent on seeing this area improved so the entire facility presents itself well to the public.
If approved, the proposed lease amendment will incorporate the Tower area into the land area leased by Greenway. The Tower and surrounding property is currently excluded from Greenway’s leased area and is the responsibility of the City. With this change, Greenway would be responsible for all project costs and project management including a structural assessment to understand the integrity and safety of the Tower, as well as hazardous materials assessment and any associated abatement costs and permits. Greenway will work with the City to make a decision on whether to preserve and stabilize the Tower or to remove it. In either scenario, Greenway intends to remove the fence around the Tower and landscape the area. The Tower is not on the historical study list and is not considered a historic resource.
If it is feasible to retain the Tower, then Greenway may propose to reface all four sides of the tower and demolish any connected buildings. Greenway further intends to create artwork for each of the four sides that honors the Alameda Fire Department and the service of first responders as well as possibly honor the City’s long connection with the U.S. Navy. This redesign is intended to be a collaborative process with the community, Alameda service organizations, the Golf and Recreation and Parks Commissions and any other interested organizations. Greenway hopes to hold a student art competition to determine the four designs for each of the Tower sides. Corica Park signage would also be incorporated into the Tower design so it becomes a focal point for the park entry. The building design will require review and recommendation from the Golf Commission and Planning Board approval. The area surrounding the Tower is intended to be resurfaced and landscaped so it blends into Corica Park.
Greenway has committed to a clear project schedule including evaluating the Tower’s condition by September 30, 2021, submitting a final mural design for approval by the Golf Commission and Planning Board by December 30, 2021 and final completion of the work by June 30, 2022.
On April 13, 2021, the Golf Commission unanimously recommended to City Council that Greenway Golf be given the opportunity to improve the area including the Tower.
The revisions to the second amendment include:
• Referencing and reiterating the liability and hold harmless language from original lease agreement.
• Adding a clause for reversion of the Tower and the surrounding area for housing. If the City desires to construct housing on the Tower site, then Greenway and the City will enter into an amendment to the Lease transferring possession and control of the Tower site back to the City. The City will be required to reimburse Greenway for all expenses incurred for its work on the Tower and surrounding area.
• Specifying that no storage is allowed on the site.
• Requiring Greenway to retain a professional engineer licensed in California to evaluate and assess the structural integrity of the Fire Tower and assess the presence of any hazardous materials. The hazardous materials assessment shall include, at minimum, but need not be limited to, lead, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). All findings for structural integrity and hazardous materials must be provided to the City within five (5) business days of Greenway’s receipt of those findings.
• The City and Greenway will jointly determine whether the Fire Tower shall be demolished or remain. If the City and Greenway determine that it should be demolished, then Greenway must submit a plan for City approval to demolish the Fire Tower and landscape the premises. If the City and Greenway determine that the Fire Tower may remain, then Greenway must prepare a design review application for the renovation of the Fire Tower and beautification, including landscaping, of the premises.
• City approval of either plan will be made by the Planning Board with review and recommendation from the Golf Commission.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives include:
• Introduce the ordinance to approve a second lease amendment with Greenway to adjust the lease area to include the dilapidated former fire training tower.
• Reject the ordinance and the City will remain responsible for improvements to the derelict fire training tower. There currently are not sufficient funds in the Golf Fund for improvements so it would be several years before any improvements may occur at this location.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City from introduction of this ordinance approving a second lease amendment with Greenway to incorporate the lease area including the deteriorated Tower. With this lease area adjustment, Greenway is responsible for any financial impact of improvements to the Tower and its surrounding area. There are no additional financial contributions from the City.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project intended from this action includes the rehabilitation and improvement of an existing area within the park, the proposal is consistent with the zoning and general plan designation for the property, and the improvements will be subject to the existing design requirements of the Alameda Municipal Code ensuring compatibility with adjacent land uses.
The project will result in the restoration or demolition of the Tower and its surrounding area with no proposed expansion or intensification of an existing use and the project will not occur in wetlands, a scenic area, or in an area mapped as containing a severe geologic hazard.
For these reasons, the proposed project will not result in any significant environmental impacts and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15301 (existing facilities), 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and 15061 (General Rule Exemption).
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce an ordinance approving a second amendment to the lease between the City of Alameda and Greenway Golf Associates, Inc. for the premises located at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex to adjust lease area to include the dilapidated former fire training tower.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The changes in the proposed ordinance reflect the City Council initiated changes at the May 18th City Council meeting. The City Manager recommends approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Annie To, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Second Amendment
2. Original Lease
3. First Amendment
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager