sr-120809-9aCity Council Meeting: December 8,.2009
Agenda Item: ~ ~'
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Lee E. Swain, Director of Public Works
Subject: Public Hearing and Resolution Ordering Vacation of Excess Public Right-
of-Way Within Woodlawn Cemetery
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding the proposed vacatioh of
excess public right-of-way within the Woodlawn Cemetery grounds; and
2. adopt the attached resolution ordering the vacation.
Executive Summary
Over the last year, staff has examined various options to increase the capacity of the
Woodlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum (Cemetery) and to achieve financial sustainability
in the near future. Vacating portions of non-essential roadway within the Cemetery is
necessary for the development of additional Cemetery properties associated with the
implementation of the Cemetery Business Plan. California law requires a public hearing
and a finding that the property is unnecessary for public use prior to vacating excess
public right-of-way.
Background
On April 28, 2009, staff presented along-Term Business Plan for Woodlawn Cemetery
that identified amulti-phased plan to increase the capacity of the Cemetery and achieve
financial sustainability. The Cemetery Business Plan proposed the development of
additional interment grounds that will provide approximately 2,123 casket spaces
(ground burial and crypts) and generate substantial revenue enabling the Cemetery to
continue to provide the community with diverse interment options. Vacation of various
street segments is necessary for the development of additional interment grounds
associated with the implementation of the Cemetery Business Plan.. On November 10.
2009, City Council directed the City Clerk to set a public hearing on the proposed
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vacation proceedings for December 8, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. Notice of the date, time, and
place of the public hearing was published on November 16, November 23, and
November 30 in the Santa Monica Daily Press. Notices noting the time and place of the
public hearing were posted in the area of the proposed vacation. Publication and
posting of the notices were-done in accordance with Part 3, Chapter 3 of the California
Streets and Highways Code, "General Vacation Procedures".
Discussion
California law authorizes vacating a public street or service easement, after notice and a
hearing, based on the finding that the property is unnecessary for present or
prospective public use (Streets and Highways Code section 8324). Over the years,
Council has vacated various streets within the Cemetery. The streets currently
recommended for vacation are within the gated grounds of the Cemetery and do not
operate as public streets. Other than aCity-owned communication line, there are-no
existing privately-owned utilities that underlie these streets. The City's communication
line will be relocated out of the street vacation area. Adopting the attached Resolution
to vacate the streets will allow the implementation of the Cemetery Business Plan.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no impact on the City's budget as a result of the proposed Woodlawn
Cemetery street vacation.
Prepared by: Antonio Shaibani, P.E., Supervising Civil Engineer
Approved: Forwarded to Council:
Lee E. Swain, Director P.
Department of Public Works C~
Attachment: Resolution
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Reference Resolution No.
10447 (CCS)