Agenda Item Wording:
title
Goshen Avenue Right of Way Dedication - Request acceptance of a portion of City-owned property into the public street system as public right of way along the south side of Goshen Avenue, between Burke Street and Ben Maddox Way, across the existing Civic Center Phase 2 frontage (Resolution 2025-72 required).
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Prepared by:
Mike Porter, Civil Engineer, Mike.porter@visalia.org, (559) 713-4412
Chris Crawford, City Engineer, Chris.crawford@visalia.org, (559) 713-4331
Jason Huckleberry, Engineering & Building Director, Jason.huckleberry@visalia.org, (559) 713-4495
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-72, accepting a portion of City owned property along the south side of Goshen Avenue, between Burke Street and Ben Maddox, across the existing Civic Center frontage into the public streets system as public right of way.
Summary:
The Civic Center Phase 2 project requires the installation of new Southern California Edison (SCE) equipment to provide service to the project area. SCE initially requested a utility easement be granted in the location of the new equipment. Designating this portion of Goshen Avenue as public right of way eliminates the need to grant SCE an easement and does not interfere with the anticipated improvements to the site. The additional right of way will lie within a landscaped area between the sidewalk and block wall.
Background Discussion:
The process of designating public streets and accepting them into the city street
system is set forth in Section 1806(b) of the California Streets and Highways Code. The
designation and acceptance of these portions of City owned properties into the city street system for Goshen Avenue will formally establish the specific locations of this public street right of way. This process does not change the City’s fee title ownership of these parcels. Street improvements within this public street right of way are planned to be constructed with the Civic Center Phase 2 project. Establishing this public street right of way provides public utility companies clarity as to when their facilities are subject to their respective franchise agreements with the City. For areas outside the public street right of way, the City must adopt an ordinance granting a public utility easement if one is required by a public utility company. The City owned property involved is shown on the attached aerial map.
Fiscal Impact: None
Prior Council Action:
May 5, 2025 - Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Seals Construction, of Visalia CA in the amount of $72,780,000.00 and authorized additional appropriation of funds for the full project cost of $99.3 million for the Visalia Civic center Phase 2 Project.
October 21, 2024 - Council adopted resolution No. 2024-62 for the formation of Underground Utility District along Goshen Avenue.
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve Resolution No. 2025-72, accepting a portion of City owned property into the public street system as public right of way along the south side of Goshen Avenue.
Environmental Assessment Status: Program Environment Impact Report SCH No. 2010041078
CEQA Review: Initial Study No. 2024-44
Deadline for Action: 11/17/2025
Attachments:
1. Aerial Map
2. ROW Location Map
3. Resolution No. 2025-72
4. Exhibit A
5. Exhibit B
6. ROW Area