Politics & Government

Your City Council: City Reaches Agreement On Transit Center Land Purchase

Hercules Patch reports live from the November 8, 2011 City Council meeting.

After years in negotiations, the city has reached an agreement with waterfront land owners needed to move the bay front development project forward.

The Hercules City Council approved a contract with Hercules Bayfront, LLC. to purchase 13 acres of land for the development of the Intermodal Transit Center project for just under $2.8 million.

Under the agreement, which was negotiated on the city's part by consultant Charlie Long, Hercules Bayfront will receive $1,856,300 in cash paid by March and $524,520 in developer impact fee credits.

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The council was in unison with their support of the deal, agreeing that purchasing the property allows both the city and Hercules Bayfront to start in on developing their respective areas of the waterfront vision.

“I think under the circumstances (of the economy and budget constraints)…this is one of the few opportunities for the city for a catalyst project,” newly appointed City Manager Steve Duran said about the deal.

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"Tonight, we are showing the Bay Area and the region that this city still has the capability of bringing a land deal together," said Councilman Dan Romero.

Councilman William Wilkins, who sat in on waterfront negotiations, likened reaching an agreement on the land to the start of a new path for Hercules. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step, and here we are," he said.

The meeting:

7:57 p.m., CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS

1. Receive Report And Conduct Discussion of Outsourcing Before & After School Child Care.

Interim Parks and Recreation Director Pedro Jimenez gives the presentation. Staff's conclusion is that city-run child care is profitable and the city should continue running it.

2. Receive Report And Consider The Closure, Relocation And Sale Of The City Corporation Yard Site Located At Willet And Sycamore Avenues.

Chief Building Official John McGuire gives the presentation. It's time to start the discussion about closing it down and (relocating) it...it's commonly referred to as a junk yard," McGuire said.

3. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Lease Purchase Agreement With Motorola Solutions For An Amount Not To Exceed $269,316.46. PASSES 5-0.

4. Adopt A Resolution Supporting A Competitive Process For The West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority’s Upcoming Procurement Of Solid Waste Disposal And Processing Services. PASSES 4-1, with Councilman Dan Romero voting "nay," for need of more time to review, he said.

5. Adopt Resolution Approving City-Wide Development Impact Fee Reduction In Response To Financial Conditions In Real Estate Development Market. PASSES 5-0

6. Adopt Resolution Approving Consultant Service Agreement With d’Oro Construction Management To Provide Interim Project Management Services For ITC/Bayfront Project From November 1, 2011 Through February 29, 2012 At A Cost Not To Exceed $10,000 Per Month And A Total Cost Of $40,000. PASSES 5-0

7. Adopt Resolution Approving Purchase And Sale Contract With Hercules Bayfront LLC For Acquisition Of 12.99 Acres Of Right-Of-Way For The Intermodal Transit Project At A Cost Of $1,856,300 In Cash Paid By March 15, 2012 And $524,520 In Development Impact Fee Credits. PASSES 5-0

8. Adopt A Resolution Approving A Sole Source Contracting Approval Process And Standard Sole Source Request Form To Be Used For Extraordinary Circumstances That Will Result In Identifiable Savings To The City. PASSES 5-0

9. Conduct Discussion And Consider The Role Of The Citizens Finance Ad Hoc Committee Which Is Scheduled To Sunset December 31, 2011.

7:50 p.m., PUBLIC HEARING

1. Have/Waive The Second Reading And Adopt An Ordinance Authorizing An Amendment To The Contract Between The City Of Hercules And The Board Of Administration Of The California Public Employees’ Retirement System For Local Safety Employees To Provide Section 20475 (Different Level Of Benefits) And Section 21363.1 (3% at 55 Formula) For New Members Entering Membership In A City Of Hercules Safety Classification After The Date Of The Contract Amendment.--PASSES 5-0.

7:48 p.m., CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Approve City Council Meeting Minutes Of February 22, 2011 And March 8, 2011

2. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing the Submittal Of An Application For Grant Funds For The Urban Greening Grant Program Under The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality And Supply, Flood Control, River And Coastal Protection Bond Act Of 2006 (Proposition 84)

7:25 p.m., PUBLIC COMMENT

Margie Liberty, Warns the city and residents about Occupy Wall Street and the possibility of Occupy Hercules.

Jennifer Ways, Thanks the council, city attorney and city manager for their public service. "Thank you so much."

Janice Leighton, Speaks about Contra Costa College President McKinley Williams, who is scheduled to retire soon. Leighton invites residents to the retirement reception. 

Thelma Fernandez, Registered nurse and Doctors Medical Hospital. She is asking for residents to support Measure J. Fernandez is also a resident of Hercules.

Edna D., Speaks on behalf of the senior center. Edna volunteers as a nurse at the center. She is concerned about the recent management changes and cut hours at the senior center.

7:20 p.m., Corporal Joseph Vasquez is honored as Hercules Police Officer of the Year. He was chosen by his peers for the title. Vasquez thanks the Hercules police force and his wife and family. My goal "is not only to give this (community) what it expects, but also what it deserves.

7:16 p.m., The Rotary Club is honored by the City of Hercules for 25 years of service to the city. Rotary President Dee Lopez speaks on behalf of the club. She invites residents to attend the club's Wednesday morning meetings.

7:15 p.m., The Rotary Club of Hercules donate $4,000 in Target gift cards towards the families who lost their homes in the Bravo neighborhood fire.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m.


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