Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting of June 11, 2019
Title
HERMOSA AVENUE LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION,
AND VALLEY PARK RESTROOM RENOVATIONS
(Acting Public Works Director Lucho Rodriguez and
Environmental Analyst Kristy Morris)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the appropriation of $30,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund to update the landscaping on Hermosa Avenue Medians; and
2. Approve the appropriation of $35,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund for the renovations of the restrooms at Valley Park.
Body
Executive Summary:
New landscaping on the median planters on Hermosa Avenue from 27th Street to 35th Street was completed in early 2019. The second phase of landscaping upgrades on the Hermosa Avenue medians covers from 27th Street to Herondo Avenue. The restrooms at Valley Park were constructed in 2002 when the park was renovated. No improvements to the restrooms have taken place since then. Existing planters and shrubs on Hermosa Avenue center medians south of Pier Avenue obstruct the opening car doors resulting in scratches to car doors (Figure 1). The first recommended action would authorize staff to replace shrubs in raised planters on Hermosa Avenue medians south of Pier Avenue. The second recommended action would authorize staff to conduct internal and external upgrades to the restrooms at Valley Park, which are in poor condition.
Background:
Hermosa Avenue Landscaped Medians
In March 2019, City of Hermosa Beach Public Works staff replaced landscaping in the center median of Hermosa Avenue from 35th Street to 27th Street with low water use plants that require less maintenance and provide an aesthetic upgrade compared to existing vegetation.
Motorists have notified the City that the existing planters and shrubs on Hermosa Avenue center medians South of Pier Avenue obstruct the opening car doors resulting in scratches to car doors (Figure 1). This project would replace shrubs in raised planters on Hermosa Avenue medians south of Pier Avenue with low-profile, low water use plants consistent with the abovementioned landscape improvements.
Figure 1. Raised planters on Hermosa Avenue medians south of Pier Avenue
Valley Park Restrooms
Valley Park Restrooms were built in 2002 as part of the Valley Park Improvements project CIP 95-507 that included landscaping and irrigation improvements as well as the construction of the park’s amenities that exist in the park today.
The restroom building has a separate single stall male restroom and a two stall female restroom. Both restrooms include a sink. These restrooms are in poor condition and require internal and external upgrades.
Analysis:
Hermosa Avenue Landscaped Medians
The proposed landscaping improvements for Hermosa Avenue medians south of Pier Avenue to Herondo Avenue would beautify the area with low water use, environmentally friendly landscaping, adapted to local coastal environments. This project would also address motorist concerns regarding vehicle accessibility and scratches to vehicle doors.
Phase 1 median landscaping improvements were completed in early 2019 from 35th Street to 27th Street on Hermosa Avenue. Phase 2 would continue improvements from 27th Street to Herondo Avenue. The shrubs in the median in the downtown area between 10th Street and 14th Street have previously been removed and are currently filled with seasonal flowers. Landscaping on this portion of Hermosa Avenue would be updated to match the Phase 1 median landscapes.
The median landscaping from 14th Street to Herondo Avenue includes the removal of the existing shrubbery including root removal, the preparation of the soil for new plantings, and new plants. The landscaping work will be performed by the existing City’s landscaping contractor, Merchant Landscape Services, Inc. as additional work. Any required irrigation repairs would be performed by the City’s Public Works team. Existing trees would remain in the planters.
The estimated funds required to complete Phase 2 median landscaping improvements on Hermosa Avenue is $30,000.
Valley Park Restrooms
The Valley Park restroom renovations are required due to the age of the restrooms and years of deferred maintenance. The proposed work includes new colored epoxy flooring, new interior and exterior paint, as well as new roof tiles. The work would be performed by contractors that are experts in their fields. The replacement of the restroom fixtures, lights and water bottle filling station would be performed by the City’s Public Works team.
The estimated funds needed for the completion of the Valley Park restroom renovations is $35,000.
General Plan Consistency:
PLAN Hermosa, the City’s General Plan, was adopted by the City Council in August 2017. PLAN Hermosa was divided into seven elements, each with multiple goals. The relevant goals to the Hermosa Avenue Landscaping and Irrigation, and to the Valley Park Restroom Renovations are contained within the Land use, Mobility, Parks + Open Space, and Infrastructure Elements:
Hermosa Avenue Landscaped Medians
Land Use:
6.2 Streetscaping. Proactively beautify existing streetscapes with street trees, landscaping and pedestrian-scaled lighting.
Mobility:
2.1 Prioritize public right-of-ways. Prioritize improvements of public right-of-ways that provide heightened levels of safe, comfortable and attractive public spaces for all non-motorized travelers while balancing the needs of efficient vehicular circulation.
2.4 Sustainable landscape. Use consistent and sustainable landscape and streetscape designs that reflect the city’s community identity; showcase local assets and the community’s unique and vibrant culture.
Parks + Open Space:
10.3 Green space co-benefits. Recognize the many positive qualities provided by landscaping, trees, and green space including reduced heat gain, controlled stormwater runoff, absorbed noise, reduced soil erosion, improved aesthetic character, and absorption of air pollution.
Valley Park Restrooms
Parks + Open Space:
1.1 Facility upgrades. Improve and update park and open space facilities on a regular basis.
2.6 Investment and maintenance. Prioritize the investment and maintenance of existing facilities prior to development and expansion of new facilities.
Infrastructure:
1.8 Minimize recurring repairs. Ensure that recurring repairs to City facilities are minimized by investing in low maintenance materials and performing preventive procedures where available.
Fiscal Impact:
If approved, the total amount of $65,000 would be appropriated from the Capital Improvement Fund in 2018-19.
Respectfully Submitted by: Lucho Rodriguez, Acting Public Works Director
Concur: Kristy Morris, Environmental Analyst
Noted for Fiscal Impact: Charlotte Newkirk, Accounting Manager
Legal Review: Mike Jenkins, City Attorney
Approved: Suja Lowenthal, City Manager