TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to transfer $516,600 in San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy grant funds from the West San Gabriel River Parkway Project to the
El Dorado Nature Center Renewal Project, Phases 1 and 2; and execute any documents necessary for the implementation and administration of the project. (Districts 4,5)
DISCUSSION
In 2005, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) awarded the City of Long Beach (City) a grant in the amount of $622,600 for the design and construction of the West San Gabriel River Parkway (WSGR Parkway), a pedestrian and bicycle path in the utility right-of-way between the San Gabriel River and El Dorado Golf Course. The California Department of Parks and Recreation also awarded the City a grant through the Habitat Conservation Fund. The Habitat Conservation Fund grant, along with its required match, would have fully funded Phase I of the WSGR Parkway. Unfortunately, due to the downturn in the economy, no matching funds were available for this project and the City was forced to cancel the grant. This left the WSGR Parkway with insufficient funding to construct a viable project.
The RMC had previously provided funding for restoration of the stream at the El Dorado Nature Center (EDNC), which is Phase I of the EDNC Master Plan. Following discussions with the RMC, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) proposed that the RMC redirect the remaining grant funds from the WSGR Parkway to the EDNC to further the work called for in the Master Plan. The specific improvements proposed include installation of boardwalks to provide access to two locations subject to frequent flooding, repair of the switchback trail leading to Observation Point, replacement of the pedestrian bridge connecting the island and the EDNC building to the trail system, removal of invasive vegetation, and improved interpretive signage. The total cost of these improvements, including a 15 percent contingency, will be $516,600. The RMC Board approved this proposal at its meeting on March 28, 2011.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Charles Parkin on April 20, 2011, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 25, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
Green purchasing principles will guide improvements funded by these grant funds. Steel and aluminum used in the bridge and interpretive panels will have recycled content and will be recyclable. In addition, bridge structures and handrails will use "weathering steel," which does not require painting. No tropical hardwoods will be used for trail improvements or bridge decking. Native California plants will be used to restore habitat. Trail switchbacks and boardwalks will employ sustainable design to ensure they are appropriate for the Nature Center environment, which will minimize construction disturbance to surrounding areas and maximize durability.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 10, 2011, in order to allow timely execution of pertinent documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the project will be $516,600, which will be fully offset by the grant funding. This grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. Staff from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Financial Management will charge eligible project management and grant administration time directly to the grant project in order to recover some of the overhead costs. The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER