Special Notice/Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Lease Agreement with the United States of America for the Operation of a Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range facility at Wunderlich County Park, located in unincorporated Woodside, and identified as a portion of Assessor’s Parcel Number 072-300-040 (Lease No. 5012)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The President of the Board of Supervisors to execute a Lease Agreement (“Agreement”) with the United States of America, acting by and through the Federal Aviation Administration, for the continued use of approximately 2.37 acres of space at Wunderlich County Park, located in unincorporated Woodside, and identified as a portion of Assessor’s Parcel Number 072-300-040 (“Premises”), for the operation of a Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range facility, at an annual rate of $18,000, for a term of ten (10) years, beginning retroactively from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2028, with one (1) option to extend the term for an additional ten (10) years at an increased annual rate of $21,000; and
B) The County Executive, or their designee, to accept or execute any and all notices, options and documents associated with the Agreement including, but not limited to, extension or termination of the Agreement under the terms set forth therein (Lease No. 5012).
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BACKGROUND:
In 1974, Wunderlich County Park (“Park”) was donated to the County, and County assumed a lease agreement (“Assumed Agreement”) for lease of a portion of the Park to the United States of America, by and through the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), allowing the FAA to operate a Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnirange Tactical Air Navigation (“VORTAC”) facility, upgraded in 2017 to a 2nd generation VHF Omnidirectional Range (“VOR”). VORTAC/VOR facilities are utilized by aircraft pilots as air navigation and approach aids to assist them in conducting safe and efficient flights and landings, with this Woodside VOR facility being one of the most important facilities in the Bay Area, providing assistance for approaches and departures into San Francisco, Oakland, and several other airports in the area.
The Assumed Agreement expired in 1975 and the County and FAA subsequently entered into a series of lease agreements, the latest of which expired on September 30, 2018 (FAA Contract No. DTFANM-08-L-00109). The FAA has continued operating the VOR facility on a month-to-month basis and wishes to enter into a new long-term agreement for the site.
DISCUSSION:
Real Property Services has negotiated for lease of the Premises, an annual base rental amount of Eighteen Thousand Dollars ($18,000) for a term of ten (10) years, beginning retroactively from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2028, with one (1) option to extend the term for an additional ten (10) years at an increased annual base rental amount of Twenty-One Thousand Dollars ($21,000).
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the Agreement and resolution as to form. The Director of the Department of Parks concurs in this recommendation.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The County of San Mateo is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to quality services for all residents. The County acquires and leases real property to ensure all residents can access services in the locations and facilities best suited to their specific purposes. This Agreement will further the County’s ability to ensure that critical services for residents can continue to be met.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The annual fee, totaling $180,000 for the 10-year term, will be deposited into the Revenue Account for the Department of Parks. There is no impact to the General Fund.