TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to authorize City Manager to receive a $275,000 grant from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, for restoration of the arroyo at Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site; and authorize City Manager to execute any documents necessary for the implementation and administration of the project. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
In July 2003, the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, granted the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation (Foundation) $55,230 to prepare designs for the arroyo restoration, California native garden, and perimeter landscaping at the Rancho Los Cerritos (Rancho) Historic Site. The designs were developed by NUVIS Landscape Architecture and Planning.
Upon satisfactory completion of the design grant, the RMC set aside implementation funds for one of the project elements. At this time, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (Department) is seeking the release of a $275,000 grant for restoration of the arroyo. The arroyo partially surrounds the proposed Visitor Education Center at the Rancho. We propose to bid the projects together and commence restoration of the arroyo in April 2008, when we also begin construction of the new Visitor Education Center.
The arroyo restoration is expected to cost $297,504. The Foundation is raising funds for this and other master plan projects through a $5 million capital campaign, and will provide the additional funds for this project.
The 33,350 square foot arroyo is the last significant open space on the 4.7 4-acre ranch property without historic gardens or improvements. Improvements are planned to restore habitat, expand recreational use of the property, improve aesthetics and security, and address drainage issues. At the edge of the arroyo, outdoor exhibit panels will interpret the Tongva Indian Village of Tibahangna, which lay near the present Los Angeles River along the Rancho's western boundary. Seating areas and viewpoints will also provide visitors with opportunities for interpretation, resting, and observation without encroachment into the arroyo habitat area.
This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on September 24, 2007, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 4,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on October 16, 2007, is requested to meet the RMC grant cycle, and allow for timely signing of contract documents before the arroyo project is ready to bid.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost is estimated at $297,504. In addition to the RMC grant of $275,000, the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation has committed $22,504 for restoration of the arroyo.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR AND ENTER AN AGREEMENT AND ALL AMENDMENTS WITH THE SAN GABRIEL AND LOWER LOS ANGELES RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY FOR FUNDING UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2002
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
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APPROVED: |
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ANTHONY W. BATTS |
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CITY MANAGER |