REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Report and Status Update on the Morse Mansion
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
On November 1, 2022, the City Council held a Real Estate and Morse Mansion Study Session (RTC 22-1155). The presentation (Attachment 1) included the background on the Morse Mansion and the following three options for City Council discussion:
1. Extend the Lease with the Sorority
2. Sale of the Property
3. Maintain for City Uses - specifically an SVP Sustainability Learning and Historical Center (SVP Center)
As part of the discussion, the City Council and community expressed interest in Option 1 and Option 3. The Council and community also expressed support for exploring other City uses; however, staff clarified that any other City options and uses would require a separate funding source than SVP. There was no discussion or direction of further exploring or analyzing the sale of Morse Mansion.
DISCUSSION
SVP Sustainability Learning and Historic Center
Staff completed an RFP for engineering services to determine the feasibility of using Morse Mansion as an SVP Center. A consultant has been selected and staff will proceed with executing a contract to complete a Feasibility Study. The contract is for an estimated $150,000 and does not require City Council approval, however due to the Council and community interest in the project, staff is providing this informational report. The scope of work includes the following:
• Feasibility analysis detailing limitations and opportunities under the historic designation, functionality of a public Sustainability Learning and Historic Center in Morse Mansion.
• Engineering study detailing required infrastructure improvements and cost to bring the property to good operating order.
• Identify options and conceptual design scope of how an SVP Center could function within the property.
• Public outreach and community informational workshops.
Lease with the Sorority
As communicated to City Council via email on April 24, 2023, the Sorority declined to extend the lease beyond June 2024. Specifically, they would not agree to provide an on-site resident Sorority House Director. The City will need to consider if there are any other lease options or what would be needed to maintain the Mansion vacant once the lease expires.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Feasibility Study will be funded through SVP restricted funds, specifically the Public Benefits Charge. These funds are required to be used for specific purposes including research and development, and education and outreach. If an SVP Center is determined to be feasible and the City Council decides to move forward, a funding strategy would need to be developed that would need to include additional funding sources beyond SVP restricted funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to section 15060(c)(1) as this item is only informational and does not involve the exercise of discretionary powers.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any report to Council may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
A community meeting was held on January 25, 2023 with approximately 100 attendees.
https://www.siliconvalleypower.com/svp-and-community/projects
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and File Informational Report on Morse Mansion
Staff
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Assistant City Manager/Chief Electric Utility Officer
Approved by: Jōvan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Real Estate and Morse Mansion Study Session Presentation