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 inter...
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