CC SR 20151201 H - Lower Hesse Park GrantMEMORANDUM RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CORY LINDER, DIRECTOR, RECREATION AND PARKS ty1J&>v t-i-
DECEMBER 1, 2015 DATE:
SUBJECT: LOWER HESSE PARK GRANT
REVIEWED: DOUG WILLMORE, CITY MANAGER~
Project Manager: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst(.~
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt Resolution 2015-_, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes approving the application for Proposition A Grant Funds from the
Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space District for Fourth
Supervisorial District Funding for the Lower Hesse Park Improvement project,
and approving the adoption of a Youth Employment Plan.
2. Adopt Resolution 2015-_ a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes amending Resolution 2015-47, the Budget Appropriation for FY
15-16, to adjust the budget in the Capital Improvements Project Fund.
FISCAL IMPACT
The action requested this evening will not have a fiscal impact to the City. If approved,
staff plans to request the maximum allowable grant amount of $300,000. The total cost
of the project is estimated to be $787,000.
Budgeted Amount: $487,575 FY 15-16 (originally $500,000 in FY 14-15)
Additional Appropriation: $300,000
Account Number: 330-3033-461-73-00
Potential Grant Revenue
Increase:
Net Impact to CIP Fund:
Parks, Trails & Open Space Improvements
$300,000
$0
Should the grant application be approved by the Los Angeles Regional Parks and Open
Space District, the grant will be on a reimbursement basis. The City's share of costs is
estimated to be approximately $487,575 which is included in the FY 2015-16 Public
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project Grant
December 1, 2015
Page 2
Works budget and was approved by the City Council on October 20, 2015. $500,000
was approved in the FY 14-15 budget, however $12,425 was spend on landscape
design consultant work which left the current balance of $487,575. Since the overall
project is estimated to exceed the maximum grant funds, the grant application requires
the City to commit to fund its share of the costs. The grant also requires the City to
maintain the project in perpetuity.
BACKGROUND
In October of 2015, LA County Supervisor Don Knabe announced the availability of up
to $300,000 in funds from the 1996 Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition (PROP A) to
each of the cities in the Fourth District for shovel-ready park and recreation projects.
The funds can be used to develop, restore, rehabilitate, or improve existing parks,
recreational facilities and trails. Projects must be shovel-ready, fully-funded and set to
be completed by December 2016.
Staff is recommending Lower Hesse Park as an appropriate candidate for the grant.
Since opening in 1999, the trails and general condition of Lower Hesse Park has
deteriorated with ill-defined trails and low aesthetic appeal. In 2010 the City Council
approved a Tactical Goal to "Improve the City's recreational and educational facilities by
expanding opportunities for active recreational uses and improving access to all parks",
with a sub-goal to provide improvements to Grandview and Lower Hesse Park. After
extensive public outreach and multiple designs by a landscape architect, a conceptual
design was approved in 2011 by the City Council. This plan, known as the "Pacific
Plan" included extensive landscape and trail improvements, lawn areas, landscape
buffers, a hardscape parking lot, three tennis courts, a basketball court, and a small
structure that would include a public restroom, staff office and storage. An initial study
and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for this plan and addressed
numerous neighborhood concerns.
In 2012, due to changing Capital Improvement Project (GIP) budget priorities and
neighborhood concerns with the Pacific Plan, the City Council directed staff to work with
representatives from the Hesse Park-adjacent Pacific View HOA to develop a scaled-
back plan. Staff has met with representatives from PVHOA multiple times in recent
years and has continued to work with a landscape architect to refine the plan.
Originally budgeted at $1,000,000, the budget was reduced in the FY 15-16 City budget
to $500,000.
The budgetary reduction to $500,000 necessitated the removal of active recreation
components (with the exception of the existing volleyball court) as well as a reduction of
the overall scope of the project.
After working closely with the Pacific View Homeowners Association and a public
workshop, staff developed two options for Council's consideration. Option 1 plan improved
approximately half of the site with improved landscaping, and trails for the established
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project Grant
December 1, 2015
Page 3
budget of $500,000. Option 2 incorporated the Option 1 design components, but went
further, improving virtually the entire park while adding additional and more developed
elements. The only unimproved area would be the sloped area located west of the Upper
Hesse Park field. The enhanced plan's budget was estimated at $1,000,000.
The intention for either Option 1 or 2 would be to create an aesthetically pleasing,
accessible, award -winning park design that would be a source of community pride for
generations to come . Given the intensity of California's drought, every effort would be
made to minimize water loss and maintain all or nearly all water on site . State-of-the-art
environmental design and construction techniques would be utilized with a potential goal of
achieving Audubon Society Certification or similar environmental recognition for the project.
The City Council approved Option 1 for the site on October 20, 2015. Council also
approved the inclusion of picnic table nodes.
Below is a conceptual rendering of the Option 1 Plan that was approved on October 20,
2015.
Basic Plan Legend:
Ill Hydroseeding
Xeriscape/drought tolerant
• Parking Lot
3
Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project Grant
December 1, 2015
Page4 • • Native Plants/Landscape buffer
Trails
Rock Fill/Drainage Area
DISCUSSION
The October 20, 2015 staff report stated that staff would "actively pursue a wide range
of grants to help fund and maintain Lower Hesse Park." The potential $300,000 in
grant funding, if approved by the County, would be combined with the funds approved
for Option 1 to improve and expand the scope of the project. While not enough to fund
all of the elements included in Option 2, the $300,000 in additional funding would
enhance both the breadth and quality of the project.
New Proposed Cost Estimates (pending grant approval)
Proposition A Funding
Administration/Design:
Drainage "Rock Spine" Play Area:
Trail Improvements:
Xeriscape:
City Funding
Irrigation/Electrical:
Parking Lot:
Xeriscape:
Hydroseed:
Native Planting:
Picnic Tables Nodes:
Fitness Stations:
Contingency:
Design:
Total:
City total:
Total Project Estimate:
$60,000
$90,000
$70,000
$80,000
$300,000
$20,000
$90,000
$80,000
$80,000
$75,000
$77,575
$0
$25,000
$40,000
$487,575
$787,575
For comparison's sake, below are the conceptual cost estimates for Option 1 (approved
option) and Option 2 that were considered by the City Council on October 20, 2015.
Option 1 Conceptual Cost Estimate
Trail Improvements $67,000
Drainage $87,000
Xeriscape $94,000
Hydroseed $45,000
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project Grant
December 1, 2015
Page 5
Native Plants
Parking Lot
Irrigation/Electrical
Contingency
Design
$39,000
$93,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
Estimated total: $500,000
Option 2 Conceptual Cost Estimate
Option 1 Estimated Costs $500,000
Xeriscape $125,000
Hydroseed $110,000
Native Plants $40,000
Parking Lot $45,000
Fitness Stations $100,000
Contingency $25,000
Design $55,000
Estimated Total: $1,000,000
Fitness stations were removed from the proposed plan due to cost considerations and
because specific grant funding may become available for that element in the future.
The following is a description of the components to be funded wholly or partially by the
Prop. A Grant:
1) Trails: Improve condition of existing trails, many of which have experienced
considerable erosion impacts. Paths will be stabilized and their widths will be
standardized. Borders will be installed.
2) Drainage Stabilization/Rock Area: Add rock fill "spine" through center of
drainage to improve drainage, prevent erosion, maintain federal water quality
standards, and maintain federal water quality standards. The large rocks in this
area will connect with the existing rock area in Upper Hesse to provide a unified,
natural, unstructured climbing and play area for children and families.
3) Xeriscape-drought tolerant plantings: A palette of drought-tolerant plants will be
planted within and adjacent to the existing trails system to not only improve
aesthetics, but also reduce water use, weeds, erosion, and landscaping
maintenance.
Time line
The grant components were identified because they are the initial stages of the project.
This is important because the grant criteria requires that the project components funded
by grant funds must be completed by December, 2016. Below is an approximate
timeline:
Dec. 1,2015 City Council approval of resolution authorizing grant application
5
Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project Grant
December 1, 2015
Page 6
Dec.3,2015
March 2016
March 2016
May 2016
June 2016
December 2016
Public Outreach
Submission of grant application to County.
Review and approval of grants by County Board of Supervisors
Final Design complete
Construction Contract Awarded
Construction Start Date
Construction Complete
Outreach for December 1, 2015 meeting.
A Lower Hesse Park Improvements webpage is on the City's Recreation and Parks
website and listserv messages have been sent to Lower Hesse Park listserv
subscribers. HOAs adjacent to Hesse Park have been notified as well.
Prior Outreach
Community workshops on the early conceptual design process were facilitated by
consultant Mia Lehrer and Associates and City staff on May 15, 2010, July 17, 2010,
and September 25, 2010. In advance of the October 20, 2015 City Council meeting
staff met with representatives of the Pacific View Homeowners Association on August
19th and September 21st_ A public meeting was held on September 14th.
CEQA -Categorical Exemption
The grant requires that the project be consistent with the California Environmental Quality
Act or qualify for a Categorical Exemption. The project was determined to be Categorically
Exempt when presented to the Council on October 20, 2015.
Youth Employment Plan
The grant requires that a youth employment plan must be submitted and signed by the
authorized representative and be adopted by the City Council. The plan includes a
project description, tasks that may be performed by at-risk youth, and estimated cost of
youth employment. Staff has met with representatives from the Los Angeles
Conservation Corps (LACC) to identify elements of the grant that would be applicable.
General site cleanup, assistance with xeriscape planting and trail improvements were
identified. The youth plan is attached.
ALTERNATIVES
1) Do not authorize staff to submit application.
CONCLUSION
Council's action tonight authorizes the submittal of a grant application which could be
used to enhance the planned Lower Hesse Park Improvements Project. If the grant is
awarded, project design, bidding and construction work will have an estimated 12
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project Grant
December 1, 2015
Page 7
month completion schedule.
Attachments
A. Resolution 2015-Proposition A Grant Funding for Lower Hesse Park (page 8)
B. Resolution 2015-Budget Appropriation (page 10)
C. October 20, 2015 Lower Hesse Park Improvements Staff Report (page 12)
D. Youth Employment Plan (Exhibit A to Resolution 2015-Grant Funding)
7
(page 27)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING THE
APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL
PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR FOURTH SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT FUNDING
FOR LOWER HESSE PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND APPROVES THE ADOPTION
OF A YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN.
WHEREAS, the people of the County of Los Angeles on November 3, 1992, and on
November 5, 1996 enacted Los Angeles County Proposition A, Safe Neighborhood Parks, Gang
Prevention, Tree-Planting, Senior and Youth Recreation, Beach and Wildlife Protection (the
Propositions), which among other uses, provides funds to public agencies and nonprofit
organizations in the County for the purpose of acquiring and/or development facilities and open
space for public recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Propositions also created the Los Angeles County Regional Park and
Open Space District (the District) to administer said funds; and
WHEREAS, the District has set forth the necessary procedures governing application for
grant funds under the Propositions; and
WHEREAS, the District's procedures require the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to certify,
by resolution, the approval of the application before submission of said application(s) to the
District; and
WHEREAS, said application contains assurances that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
must comply with; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes certifies, through this resolution, that the
application is approved for submission to the District; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will enter into an Agreement with the
District to provide funds for acquisition and development projects.
WHEREAS, the District's procedures require the adoption of a Youth Employment Plan
for development projects by the governing body of the agency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES HEREBY:
1. Approves the filing of an application with the Los Angeles County Regional Park and
Open Space District for Funds for the above project; and
2. Certifies that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes understands the assurances and
certification in the application form; and
3. Certifies that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has, or will have, sufficient funds to
operate and maintain the project in perpetuity; and
4. Certifies that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will sign and return, within 30 days, both
copies of the project agreement sent by the District for authorizing signature; and
5. Approves the adoption of a Youth Employment Plan for the project (Exhibit A); and 8
6. Appoints the Director of Recreation and Parks, or designee, to conduct all negotiations,
and to execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to, applications,
agreements, amendments, payment requests and so forth, which may be necessary for
the completion of the aforementioned project.
Verified by Finance:
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 151 Day OF DECEMBER 2015.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles )ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes )
I, Carla Morreale, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that the above
Resolution No. 2015-was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a
regular meeting thereof held on December 1, 2015.
City Clerk
9
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, AMENDING RESOLUTION 2015-47, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION
FOR FY 15-16, TO ADUST THE BUDGET IN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT FUND.
WHEREAS, Section 3.32 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code provides that all
expenditures in excess of budgeted allocations must be by supplemental appropriation of the
City Council: and
WHEREAS, on June 16, 2015, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
adopted Resolution 2015-47; approving a spending plan and appropriating a budget for FY 15-
16: and
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2015 the City Council approved improvements for Lower
Hesse Park: and
WHEREAS, if approved by the City Council on December 1, 2015, staff intends to
submit a grant to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for Proposition A grant funding
in the amount of $300,000 to fund a portion of the improvements at Lower Hesse Park: and
WHEREAS, the Proposition A grant is a reimbursable grant which requires that the project be
fully funded, which requires an increase of $300,000 in the Capital Improvements Project Fund:
and
WHEREAS, if the grant funds are received, then there will be no net impact to the Capital
Improvements Project Fund: and
BE IT, THEREFORE, RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES:
The following adjustments are made to the FY 15-16 budget:
Parks, Trails & Open Space Improvements 330-3033-461-73-00
Grant Revenues 330-3033-337-10-00
$300,000
$300,000
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 1st DAY OF DECEMBER 2015.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
State of California
County of Los Angeles
)
)ss
Mayor
10
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
I, Carla Morreale, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that the above
Resolution No. 2015-was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a
regular meeting thereof held on July 21, 2015.
City Clerk
Resolution No. 2015-
Page 2 of 2
11
MEMORANDUM RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
CORY LINDER, DIRECTOR, RECREATION AND PARKS
OCTOBER 20, 2015
SUBJECT: LOWER HESSE PARK IMPROVEMENTS
REVIEWED: DOUG WILLMORE, CITY MANAGER
Project Manager: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Lower Hesse Park Improvements Option 2.
FISCAL IMPACT
A. No Fiscal Impact for Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan Option 1. Option 1
improves approximately half of Lower Hesse Park.
B. If Option 2 is approved, a budget appropriation will be necessary as follows:
Budgeted Amount:
Additional Appropriation:
New Account Balance:
Revised Fund Balance:
Account Number:
$500,000
$500,000
$1,000,000
$17,680,873
330-3033-461-73-00
Parks, Trails & Open Space Improvements
No General Fund money will be spent on either Option 1 or 2.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Lower Hesse Park was partially improved in 1999, but the overall condition has
deteriorated significantly. In 2010 the City Council directed staff to work with residents
to develop a plan for Lower Hesse Park. A plan with a mix of mainly passive
improvements with some active recreation elements was approved in 2011.
Subsequently, due to budget priorities and neighborhood concerns, staff was directed
to work with the Pacific View Home Owners Association (PVHOA) to develop a scaled-
back plan. Two options have been developed. Option 1 improves approximately nine
of the park's 18 acres with trail enhancements, a rock play/drainage area, hydro-
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20 , 2015
Page 2
seeding, native plantings, and drought-resistant landscaping. Option 2 covers the rest
of Lower Hesse Park (except for a sloped area directly below the Upper Hesse Park
grass area) and includes additional landscaping, fitness stations, picnic nodes.
Staff's recommendation is Option 2 which would give the entire community and
adjacent residents a complete and cohesive park that connects seamlessly with Upper
Hesse Park. The project's goal is to be an award-winning, beautiful park with an
innovative and environmentally-sensitive design that minimizes or eliminates water loss .
The majority of attendees at a September 141h public workshop preferred Option 2.
BACKGROUND
Hesse Park opened to the public in 1983, but the 18-acre Lower Hesse Park section was
not developed at that time. The 1989 Parks Master Plan recommended 4 to 8 tennis
courts, improved parking and landscaping. In 1999, Lower Hesse Park was partially
improved with a series of trails, a dirt parking lot and a sand volleyball court. The site
connected to the upper section of Hesse Park by a trail on the north side of the property.
Below is an aerial view of Hesse Park's current condition.
Since opening in 1999, the trails and general condition of Lower Hesse Park has
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20 , 2015
Page 3
deteriorated with ill -defined trails and low aesthetic appeal. In 2010 the City Council
approved a Tactical Goal to "Improve the City's recreational and educational facilities by
expanding opportunities for active recreational uses and improving access to all parks" with
a sub-goal to provide improvements to Grandview and Lower Hesse Park. After extensive
public outreach and multiple designs by a landscape architect, a conceptual design was
approved in 2011 by the City Council. This plan, known as the "Pacific Plan" included
extensive landscape and trail improvements, lawn areas, landscape buffers, a hardscape
parking lot, three tennis courts, a basketball court, and a small structure that would include
a public restroom, staff office and storage. An initial study and Mitigated Negative
Declaration for this plan was prepared and circulated for public review addressing
environmental concerns raised by some of the neighbors .
LOWER HESSE PARK -Pacific Plan RANCHO PALOS VERDES. CA
MIA LEHRER. AS&OCIAHS
In 2012, due to changing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget priorities and
neighborhood concerns with the scope of the Pacific Plan, the City Council directed staff to
work with representatives from the Hesse Park-adjacent Pacific View HOA (PVHOA) to
develop a scaled -back plan. Staff met with representatives from PVHOA multiple times in
recent years and worked with the project's landscape architect to refine the plan. Originally
budgeted at $1,000,000, the budget was reduced in the FY 15-16 City budget to $500,000.
The budgetary reduction to $500,000 and the scope change removed active recreation
components (with the exception of the existing volleyball court) as well as a reduction of
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page4
the overall scope of the project. Rather than try and enhance the entire 18 acres, the plan
focused instead on the middle section of Lower Hesse Park, approximately 9 acres.
DISCUSSION
This report includes an Option 1 plan for the site that improves approximately half of the
site with improved landscaping, picnic nodes, and trails for the established budget of
$500,000.
Option 2, the recommended option, incorporates the Option 1 design components, but
goes much further, improving virtually the entire park while adding additional elements. The
only unimproved area would be the sloped area located west of the Upper Hesse Park
field. Approximately 16 of the total 18 acres would be improved by Option 2. The
enhanced plan's budget is estimated at $1,000,000.
Neither option adds significant active recreational elements such as a tennis court,
basketball court of children's playground although they could easily be added in the future
to reflect changing community demographics and desires.
The intention for either Option 1 or 2 would be to create an aesthetically pleasing,
accessible, award-winning park design that would be a source of community pride for
generations to come. Given the intensity of California's drought, every effort would be
made to minimize water loss and maintain all or nearly all water on site. State-of-the-art
environmental design and construction techniques would be utilized with a potential goal of
achieving Audobon Society Certification or similar environmental recognition for the project.
Going forward, staff will actively pursue a wide range of grants to help fund and maintain
Lower Hesse Park. A number of residents who attended the September 14th Lower Hesse
workshop expressed interest in establishing a Friends of Lower Hesse Park community
support group that would enable them to volunteer their time, effort and expertise to
improve.
Option 1: Project Description
The following is a list of Option 1 's components:
1) Trails: Improve condition of existing trails, many of which have experienced
considerable erosion impacts. Paths will be stabilized and their widths will be
standardized. Borders will be installed.
2) Drainage Stabilization/Rock Area: Add rock fill "spine" through center of drainage to
improve drainage, prevent erosion, and maintain federal water quality standards.
The large rocks in this area will connect with the existing rock area in Upper Hesse
to provide a unified, natural, unstructured climbing and play area for children and
families. This component would be designed and engineered to maintain practically
all water on site, minimizing or eliminating any runoff.
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 5
3) Xeriscape-drought tolerant plantings: A palette of drought-tolerant plants will be
planted within and adjacent to the existing trails system to not only improve
aesthetics, but also reduce water use, weeds, erosion, and landscaping
maintenance.
4) Native-grasses/Hydro Seeding: A large section of the norther section of Lower
Hesse Park will be hydro-seeded with a mix of native grasses that is drought
compatible. It should be noted that some residents have expressed concerns that
past hydro-seeding did not "take" and was not maintained properly. Therefore, a
thorough site-preparation and ongoing maintenance plan will need to be put in place
to ensure that the hydro-seeded portion of the site becomes well established and
maintained.
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 6
5) Native Plant Landscape Buffer: A selection of native plants will be planted along
the western edge slope of the Park by Locklenna Lane to act as an aesthetically
pleasing landscape buffer between the roadway and the park grounds.
6) Compliant Parking Lot: An "MS4-compliant" asphalt, permeable surface parking lot
will replace the existing non-compliant dirt parking lot (approximately 20-25 spaces).
The parking lot will have a gated entry located off Locklenna at Windport.
Porous Asphalt Pervious Surface
7) Irrigation: Irrigation will be done on an as-needed, above-ground basis instead
of on an in-ground permanent basis to ensure low water use. Irrigation would be
removed once plantings and landscaping are established. This approach is
similar to that used by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for
Preserve habitat re-vegetation efforts.
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 7
Below is a conceptual rendering of the Option 1 :
Option 1 Legend:
Ill Hydroseeding
I .I i
Xeriscape/drought tolerant
Parking Lot
Native Plants/Landscape buffer
Trails
Rock Fill/Drainage Area
Option 2: Project Description
Option 2 includes all of the improvements contained within Option 1, but expands the
projects scope considerably to address almost the entirety of Lower Hesse Park.
The following is a list of Option 2's added or enhanced Components:
1) Trails: Same as Option 1.
2) Drainage Stabilization/Rock Area: Same as Option 1.
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 8
3) Xeriscape-drought tolerant plantings: Same as Option 1.
4) Native-grasses/Hydro Seeding: Greatly expanded application of native grasses
will cover the entire northern section of the park and a portion of the southern
section as well.
5) Native Plant Landscape Buffer: same as Option 1.
Below are additional native plant examples:
6) Compliant Parking Lot: Include the installation of bio swales to transport up-
slope runoff toward the main drainage area.
7) Irrigation: Same as Option 1.
8) Fitness stations: A series of fitness stations featuring modern, low-maintenance
workout equipment would be installed at a number of locations along the trails . This
would allow park visitors to have a full-body workout while hiking the main trails
system .
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20 , 2015
Page 9
9) Cleanup Volleyball Court: The current sand volleyball court is in poor condition.
Option 2 would improve and modernize the court making it more aesthetically
pleasing and playable. Additional sand would be imported and boundaries and
perimeters established.
10) Open Air Resting Opportunities/Picnic Nodes: the area near the parking lot would
have picnic tables, benches, trash cans and other amenities installed for use by
park visitors. Existing trees would be utilized and additional low-growth trees would
be planted to create an inviting shaded environment while minimizing view impacts
from neighboring residences.
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 10
Below is a conceptual rendering of the Option 2 :
Option 2 Legend:
II Hydroseeding
• • • I •
r.1
Ill
Xeriscape/drought tolerant
Parking Lot
Native Plants/Landscape buffer
Trails
Rock Fill/Drainage Area
Fitness Stations
Open Air Resting Opportunities/Picnic Nodes
Cost Estimates: Option 1 and 2
Option 1 would be designed to keep the project within the allocated budget of $500,000.
Design fees are normally within 5% to 7% of the cost of this type of project so the
construction budget would be somewhat less than the budgeted amount.
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 11
Similarly, Option 2 could be designed to stay within the $1,000,000 estimate. Designing
the park as one cohesive project would likely result in an economy of scale for a larger
single project.
The following cost estimates are based on the conceptual designs. More precise costs
of individual elements of Option 1 or 2 will likely change when the design is finalized.
Option 1 Conceptual Cost Estimate
Trail Improvements $67,000
Drainage $87,000
Xeriscape $94,000
Hydroseed $45,000
Native Plants $39,000
Parking Lot $93,000
Irrigation/Electrical $20,000
Contingency $25,000
Design $30,000
Estimated total: $500,000
Option 2 Conceptual Cost Estimate
Option 1 Estimated Costs $500,000
Xeriscape $125,000
Hydroseed $110,000
Native Plants $40,000
Parking Lot $45,000
Fitness Stations $100,000
Contingency $25,000
Design $55,000
Estimated Total: $1,000,000
Annual Maintenance: Establishing a sufficient maintenance budget is essential to the
long-term viability of a project of this magnitude. The annual maintenance that would
be needed for this site is estimated at $30,000.
CEQA -Categorical Exemption
Pursuant to the Council direction on November 10, 2010, Staff prepared and circulated a
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) consistent with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) to address potentially significant environmental impacts that would be caused
by the original Pacific Plan project. The Initial Study (IS) and MND circulated for public
review between December 3, 2012 and January 31, 2013.
As a result of the circulation of the MND, the City received several comments letters,
including the Pacific View HOA, expressing concerns with the scope of the project. The
concerns primarily focused on park activities (including impacts caused by active
recreational sports, i.e. basketball and tennis), bicycling, aesthetics, trails, views, trees,
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 12
biological resources, transportation, traffic, noise, and parking and other topics. These
concerns are summarized in an attached matrix (see attachment).
In response to these concerns and Council-directed budget changes previously described,
the project was significantly modified from the Pacific Plan assessed in the circulated MND.
Based on the current scope of the proposed park improvements, pursuant to CEQA, a
MND is no longer warranted. This is because the project no longer includes
improvements that may result in potential impacts to the surrounding environment that
would have to be mitigated to a less than significant level. Thus, the current (scaled-back)
project now qualifies as a Categorical Exemption.
The Categorical Exemption determination is pursuant to Sections 15301 -Class 1 Existing
Facilities, 15302 -Class 2 Replace or Reconstruction, and 15311 -Class 11 Accessory
Structures from the provisions of the CEQA Guidelines because the project solely consists
of improvements to existing park facilities, such as park furnishings (i.e. benches, picnic
tables, and trash receptacles), trails, volleyball court, and landscaping. These
improvements are minor in nature and are intended to enhance the existing condition of
the park grounds and facilities. Moreover, the improvements to the parking lot, consisting
of replacing the dirt surface with a permeable paved surface to accommodate
approximately 25 cars will enhance circulation, reduce dust, and provide improved and
controlled drainage. Lastly, the existing rock spine will be improved by adding rocks to
support enhanced drainage flows from the park grounds to meet current public health and
safety standards.
Parks Master Plan Update
The City Council approved the following motion at its June 30th discussion of the Park
Master Plan: "Provided general direction acknowledging the concept of "less is more";
to approve modest improvements at Lower Hesse Park and Eastview Park and, to
preserve the general character of the other parks; and, to maintain the character of the
neighborhoods around the park facilities." This directive on "less is more" and favoring
modest, low-neighborhood impact elements was instrumental in creating both Options 1
and 2.
The Parks Master Plan was approved by City Council on October 6, 2015. While a
number of recommendations were included for Upper Hesse Park, the only
recommendation for Lower Hesse Park was to incorporate results of the Lower Hesse
Park Improvement Project once completed." The approved plan for Lower Hesse Park
will be included in the Parks Master Plan with a recommendation that any future park
improvements will not reduce an overall 90% passive ratio (trails, landscaping, picnic
areas, etc ... )
Public Outreach
A Lower Hesse Park Improvements webpage is on the City's Recreation and Parks
website and listserv messages and updates have been sent to Lower Hesse Park
listserv subscribers. Community workshops on the early conceptual design process
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 13
were facilitated by consultant Mia Lehrer and Associates and City staff on May 15,
2010, July 17, 2010, and September 25, 2010.
Option 1 and 2 Public Outreach
Staff from Recreation and Parks, Community Development and Public Works
presented the Option 1 and related cost estimates to representatives of the Pacific View
HOA on August 19, 2015. The response was very positive. Questions were raised and
addressed about the effectiveness of hydro-seeding, an unfinished traffic study, the
Parks Master Plan and the City Council's June 3Q1h direction to pursue a "less is more"
approach, security, and other issues. It was noted that the undeveloped sections of the
Option 1 plan could be addressed with a larger plan or a phased-in approach in the
future. Staff noted, and the PVHOA representatives agreed that future phases may or
may not include active elements. A minimum percentage of 90% passive usage with a
maximum of 10% maximum of active recreation elements was discussed. Senior
Analyst Waters stated that just such a ratio limit would likely be included in the Parks
Master Plan. (Minutes are attached)
A public meeting was held on September 14th at Hesse Park where both plans were
presented and discussed. Flyers were mailed to Hesse Park adjacent residents and
HOAs. Approximately 30 people participated. The general response to the two plans
were positive. Several attendees were not in favor of a paved parking lot. Questions
and concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of hydro seeding, safety and the
possible need for security cameras, project timeline, maintenance concerns about
fitness stations, shade, and drainage. Staff addressed these concerns at the meeting
and also noted that comments would be included in the eventual staff report presented
to Council (see attached minutes).
Below are a summary of comment card responses from attendees at the September
14, 2015 meeting.
What is your favorite activity at Hesse Park?
Upper Hesse Park
Walking 20
Jogging 1
Sit and watch sunset/sports 2
Bring kids to play area/park 5
Visit community center 1
Lower Hesse Park
Walking 16
Jogging 3
Sports 2
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 14
How often do you visit?
How often do you visit Upper Hesse Park?
How often do you vi sit Lower Hesse Park?
Which do you prefer for Lower Hesse Park?
Option 2
Option 1
Other (none circled)
TOTALS
Daily 14
Weekly 8
Monthly 1
Rarely 0
Never 0
Daily 6
Weekly 7
Monthly 2
Rarely 7
Never 1
TOTALS
9
7
7
Be low are average of responses to components by workshop attendees (1 -5 sca le, 5 is
top score ). Native plantings, rock fill area and drought tolerant plants received the
highest scores; basketball and tennis courts received the lowest.
5.
4 .5
4 .00
3.50
3.00
2 .5
2. 0
1.5
1. 0
.5
0 . [)
1
•Pirnie Tctl les • F. ness Stati ons
•Rock Fill Area • Droug ht ol erant Pla1tings • Na:~ e G ras!/Hv dro -seed ing
• Basketball Court • T en nis co urts • C h ~dren 'sP laygro u nd
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Lower Hesse Park Improvement Plan
October 20, 2015
Page 15
In the "Changes You Would Like to See" section, attendees noted picnic tables, trim
trees, rest areas, better entrance, basketball, family activities, restrooms and drinking
fountains, enhanced landscaping and keeping its natural state.
In the "Changes You Would Not Like to See" respondents mentioned no changes, no
parking, no fitness stations, no tennis courts or basketball courts, no view impairments,
no picnic or game equipment, and no skate park.
Recreation staff had a follow-up meeting with Pacific View HOA representative John
Freeman on September 21st to discuss the September 14th public meeting and review
any open action items (minutes attached).
ALTERNATIVES
1) Approve Option 1 for Lower Hesse Park. $500,000 is already budgeted.
2) Approve the additional elements of Option 2 as an additional Phase to be
completed in the future when funds are available.
CONCLUSION
Lower Hesse Park is a potential community jewel that would be greatly enhanced by
either Option 1 or 2. Local residents are generally very supportive of the plans which
emphasize improving the existing passive elements on site.
Attachments
A. Minutes from August 19, 2105 meeting with Pacific View HOA (page 16)
B. Minutes from September 14, 2105 public meeting at Hesse Park (page 18)
C. Lower Hesse Park Issues Matrix (page 24)
D. October 12, 2015 Email from John Freeman with attachment from Les Chapin
(page 29)
E. September 22, 2015 email from Frank Shen (page 31)
F. Minutes from September 21, 2015 meeting with Pacific View HOA with email
from Jim Moore (page 33)
G. September 15, 2015 email from Les Chapin (page 35)
H. October 14, 2015 Technical Memo: Lower Hesse Park Radway Speeds (page
38)
26
Youth Employment Plan
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project
Background:
In October of 2015, LA County Supervisor Don Knabe announced the availability of up to $300,000 in
funds from the 1996 Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition (PROP A) to each of the cities in the Fourth
District for shovel-ready park and recreation projects. The funds can be used to develop, restore,
rehabilitate, or improve existing parks, recreational facilities and trails. Projects must be shovel-ready,
fully-funded and set to be completed by December 2016. Lower Hesse Park in the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes has been identified as appropriate location. City staff is requesting $300,000 in grant funding;
the total project, is $787,000.
Expected Completion Date: December 2016 Agency: Los Angeles Conservation Corps
Tasks That May Be Performed:
1) Trails: Improve condition of existing trails, many of which have experienced considerable
erosion impacts. Paths will be stabilized and their widths will be standardized. Borders will be
installed.
2) Drainage Stabilization/Rock Area: Add rock fill "spine" through center of drainage to improve
drainage, prevent erosion, maintain federal water quality standards, and maintain federal water
quality standards. The large rocks in this area will connect with the existing rock area in Upper
Hesse to provide a unified, natural, unstructured climbing and play area for children and
families.
3) Xeriscape-drought tolerant plantings: A palette of drought-tolerant plants will be planted within
and adjacent to the existing trails system to not only improve aesthetics, but also reduce water
use, weeds, erosion, and landscaping maintenance.
Estimated Cost of Youth Employment
Total estimated hours of youth employment
Cost per Hour
Total estimated cost of youth employment
6198
$9.00
$ 55,785
The exact scope of youth involvement will be determined during the final design phase of the project.
Method of Youth Employment
The Los Angeles Conservation Corps at-risk youth as part of its mission to employ and educate urban
youth, ages 14-24. LA Corps East Los Angeles Training Center will provide local youth in conformance
with the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District's definition of "at-risk youth."
Each of the Corps projects involves the employment of youth. This project will include 9% of its labor
funding for at-risk youth employment and training.
27