Agenda Item   

AGENDA STAFF REPORT

 

                                                                                                                        ASR Control  26-000121

 

MEETING DATE:

04/14/26

legal entity taking action:

Orange County Flood Control District

board of supervisors district(s):

2

SUBMITTING Agency/Department:

County Executive Office   (Approved)

Department contact person(s):

Thomas A. Miller  (714) 834-6019 

 

 

Kevin Onuma  (714) 647-3948

 

 

Subject:  Adopt Resolution and Approve Lease with City of Santa Ana for River View Golf

 

     ceo CONCUR

County Counsel Review

Clerk of the Board

          Concur

Approved Agreement(s) and Resolution(s)

Discussion

 

 

3 Votes Board Majority

 

 

 

    Budgeted: Yes

Current Year Cost:  N/A

Annual Cost: N/A

 

 

 

    Staffing Impact:

No

# of Positions:           

Sole Source:   N/A

    Current Fiscal Year Revenue: $200,000

   Funding Source:    See Financial Impact Section

County Audit in last 3 years: No

   Levine Act Review Completed: N/A

 

    Prior Board Action:         10/30/2018 #7; 12/20/1994 #10, 5/24/1988 #40, 9/2/1969

 

RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):

 

 

1.

Find that the project is Categorically Exempt from the CEQA, Class 1 (Existing Facilities) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301.

 

2.

Adopt a Resolution making certain findings as required pursuant to the Orange County Flood Control Act and the Surplus Land Act related to approval of the proposed River View Golf Course Lease between the Orange County Flood Control District and the City of Santa Ana.

 

3.

Approve and authorize the Chief Real Estate Officer or designee to execute the proposed River View Golf Course Lease between the Orange County Flood Control District and the City of Santa Ana, which includes a 25-year-term with five additional 5-year options for a total-term up to 50-years, and to make minor modifications that do not alter the liability or obligations of the Orange County Flood Control District, as approved by County Counsel.

 

4.

Authorize the Chief Real Estate Officer or designee, on behalf of the Orange County Flood Control District, and to perform all activities specified to be performed by the Chief Real Estate Officer or Orange County Flood Control District within the terms of the proposed Lease and to execute any documents necessary for implementation of the Lease and to execute any amendments that make non-monetary and/or monetary changes that do not increase Orange County Flood Control District liability or  costs by more than $75,000 annually, as approved by County Counsel.

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY:

 

Approval of the Resolution and proposed Lease between the Orange County Flood Control District and the City of Santa Ana for a 25-year-term with options to renew for five additional 5-year-terms for a total-term up to 50-years will allow for the City of Santa Ana operate and maintain the existing River View golf course, and related facilities, on Orange County Flood Control District-owned property, to provide a quality, sustainable golf course for the long-term use and enjoyment by the public.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

 

River View Golf Course began operations in 1961 under a lease between what is now River View LLC and the City of Santa Ana (“City”) to construct and operate a 9-hole golf course on City-owned land.  In 1969, River View LLC entered into a separate lease with Orange County Flood Control District (“District”) allowing expansion of the facility into an 18-hole golf course (collectively, the “Joint Leaseholds”). 

 

The respective City and District leases for the Joint Leaseholds will terminate on April 30, 2026. The current owner and operator of River View LLC has indicated his intent to retire. To allow continued operations as an 18-hole golf course the City has requested that the District lease its property to the City.    

 

The proposed lease between the District and the City is for an initial 25-year term, with five, five-year optional renewals (“Lease”) with an annual rent starting at $200,000 per year, with annual CPI adjustments. Either party may terminate the Lease upon 180-days’ notice. The District leasehold includes approximately 70 acres of river bottom that has been developed with several tee boxes, fairways and holes. The majority of this property is required for maintenance and operation of Santa Ana River and Santiago Creek flood control and water conservation facilities. These facilities are an integral part of the system of flood control and water conservation works. The proposed Lease will not impact District’s ability to fulfill its primary function of protecting life and property in Orange County from unnecessary exposure to flood hazard and in conserving and augmenting the County’s water supply. The proposed Lease also limits the use of the leased area to the continued operation of the existing golf course facility, which is compatible with District related flood control use. The City, or their operator, will perform all golf related operations and maintenance at their sole cost, and the District will continue to perform flood control channel related maintenance operations on the site.

 

The City’s parcel of property contains a driving range, several golf holes and tees, a clubhouse restaurant and bar, golf pro shop, free public putting greens, restrooms, and a paved parking lot to serve the patrons and users. Together, the Joint Leaseholds operate as a single recreation facility that provides aesthetic and recreational amenities to the community and provide revenue for both the City and the District, while still allowing for Flood Control operations to occur on the District Leasehold.

 

River View Golf Course is utilized annually by over 100,000 people of all ages and backgrounds. The course, with a par rating of 70 and a length of 6,190 yards, offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all ages and skill levels.  River View also offers a lighted driving range, practice putting green, golf lessons, summer camps, classes, and a restaurant and bar.

 

The District’s net revenue for the proposed Lease, over the course of its initial 25-year-term, is estimated to be $6,500,000.

 

In conjunction with the approval of the Lease, CEO Real Estate also requests the adoption of the attached Resolution making the required finding under the Orange County Flood Control Act, which is required for the approval of the Lease.

 

Compliance with CEQA: The proposed action is Categorically Exempt (Class 1) from the provisions of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301, because it involves a lease of an existing public facility, for the continued operation of the existing golf course facility and event center operations, that is compatible with District-Use.

 

General Plan Conformity: The proposed action is consistent with the respective General Plan of the City of Santa Ana.

 

Orange County Flood Control Act: The Orange County Flood Control Act Chapter 36, Section 2 (b)(12) requires the Board make certain findings prior to entering into the proposed Lease. The evidence relied upon to make these findings is recited within the proposed Resolution attached.

 

Surplus Land Act: The Lease will result in an “agency’s use” for the District’s land and is therefore not subject to the Surplus Land Act. Nevertheless, the District’s land subject to the Lease is “exempt surplus land” pursuant to Government Code section 54221(f)(1), subdivisions (D) and (N).

 

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

 

Revenue for the proposed Lease has not been included in the FY 2025-26 Budget but will be included in the budgeting process for future years. Revenue from this Lease is $200,000 the first year and adjusted by CPI not to exceed 3% each year thereafter as set forth in the Lease. District’s Total Net Benefit Revenue for the initial 25-year-term of the Lease is anticipated to be $6,500,000. Upon approval and execution of the proposed Lease, the rent and any other payments will be credited to OC Flood Fund 400 and Real Estate Development Fund 135 in accordance with the terms set forth in the Lease.  This revenue will be split between Flood Control District and the County, with 35 percent going to Flood Control District Fund 400 and 65 percent to County Fund 135.  There are no costs related to the proposed Recommended Action. All improvements to the District owned portion of River View Golf Course were previously constructed and will now be operated and maintained by City at the City’s sole cost and expense. However, the District will continue to perform Flood Control Channel related maintenance operations on the site.  

 

 

 

 

STAFFING IMPACT:

 

N/A

 

REVIEWING AGENCIES:

 

OC Public Works

 

ATTACHMENT(S):

 

Attachment A – Location Map
Attachment B – Resolution
Attachment C – Lease
Attachment D – Orange County Flood Control Act Chapter 36, Section 2 (b)(12)