TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to grant an easement deed and enter into a Sewer Relocation Agreement with the County Sanitation District of Los Angeles County No. 3, for the improvement of a portion of the sanitary sewer facilities at Colorado Street, between Nieto and Orlena Avenues, as a part of the Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Phase 2A project. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The County Sanitation District of Los Angeles County No. 3 (LACSD) owns, operates, and maintains an approximately 5,300-foot long public sanitary sewer in the City of Long Beach (City) that is known as the Marina Relief Trunk Sewer, Section 1B (Existing Sewer), which LACSD completed and placed into service in 1969. A portion of the Existing Sewer alignment is located in Colorado Street, between Orlena and Nieto Avenues, in what was public right of way at the time of construction of the Existing Sewer. In 2012, the City completed a land swap with the State of California that resulted in the vacation of portions of Colorado Street between Orlena and Nieto Avenues. However, the City did not reserve an easement in favor of LACSD for the Existing Sewer.
The City prepared plans and specifications for construction of the Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Phase 2A (Project). The Project includes construction of an open channel under Colorado Street, between Orlena and Nieto Avenues, to replace an existing underground culvert between the Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium. Construction of the Project would impair LACSD’s ability to operate and maintain the Existing Sewer unless a portion of the Existing Sewer is relocated. To avoid any impact of the Project on the Existing Sewer, the City proposes to construct an approximately 545-foot long inverted sewer siphon under the proposed open-channel, construct an approximately 525-feet sewer siphon airline, and remove the portion of the Existing Sewer that intersects the Project (together, the Relocated Sewer).
The Relocated Sewer alignment will run through portions of Colorado Street that are vacated and now property of the City. (Attachment - Location Map). The grant of an easement to LACSD for the Relocated Sewer alignment through portions of Colorado Street authorizes the County asset and enables the work to be performed in accordance with the Sewer Relocation Agreement (Agreement). LACSD also determined that the construction of the Relocated Sewer will not adversely impact the remaining portions of LACSD’s sewerage system or otherwise adversely affect LACSD’s operations. The parties intend by for LACSD’s takeover of the Relocated Sewer in accordance with the Agreement. Additionally, upon completion of the project the Public Works Department will execute a Notice of Completion, a Bill of Sale and deliver to the Sanitation District title to the Relocated Sewer, free and clear of any claims, liens, or encumbrances through a recorded Bill of Sale.
The Public Works Department seeks City Council authority to grant the requested easement, enter into the Agreement, and execute a Notice of Completion and Bill of Sale for operations, maintenance, and turnover of the sewer to LACSD in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act. An amended Environmental Impact Report (EIR 30-07) was completed in September 2010 and approved and adopted by City Council on November 16, 2010.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on September 15, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on September 16, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 4, 2022 and is time critical in order for LACSD to issue final pre-construction approvals for the relocation and reconstruction of the sewer siphon, to enable the Open Channel Project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the easement deed and a service agreement with the County Sanitation District of Los Angeles County for the Sewer Relocation will have no financial impact. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER