RPVCCA_CC_SR_2014_02_10_01_RPV_Infrastructure_Management_WorkshopCity of RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED:
Project Manager:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
MICHAEL THRONE, PE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ~KS «o
DENNIS MCLEAN, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
FEBRUARY 10, 2014
FlPV INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
(SUPPORTS 2013 CITY COUNCIL GOAL No. 4,
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE)
CAROLYNN PETRU, ACTING CITY MANAGE~
Siamak Motahari, Senior Engineer :::IJ1
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Receive a presentation on infrastructure condition.
2. Discuss various options related to the creation of a long-term public
infrastructure management and financing plan and direct staff to distribute a
request for proposals from qualified firms to prepare an infrastructure
management plan.
BACKGROUND
Your Public Works and Finance and Information Technology departments have prepared
a workshop presentation for the City Council and community on the subject of
infrastructure management and financing. Public Works will present a summary
infrastructure report card, which grades several categories of public improvements, and
Finance will present information how funding and financing considerations are integrated
into an infrastructure management plan.
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RPV INFRASTRUCTURE WORKSHOP
PAGE 2 OF 3
DISCUSSION
Public infrastructure involves planned maintenance and repairs, occasional alteration or
expansion, and in some situations rehabilitation or replacement of public improvements
in order to meetthe goals, needs, and expectations of the community. When a community
addresses aging and deteriorating infrastructure in a practical and timely manner, it can
result in significant cost savings for future residents and community members. It is
recommended that a public process involving an infrastructure report card and an
infrastructure management plan that includes funding and financing considerations be
implemented to provide the City Council with policy choices and leadership options.
What is an Infrastructure Report Card?
An infrastructure report card is an assessment of the current condition of the existing
public improvements of a community. It is a snapshot in a moment of time: it does not
evaluate community needs and priorities nor is it an in-depth assessment. It is a data-
driven, objective review of our public improvements that grades the existing state of the
infrastructure in a city on an established scale from Exceptional ("A") to Failing ("F"). The
grades are selected based on criterion developed by the American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE) guidelines that have been consistently used for almost two decades.
The report card presented today is a summary of the grading ascertained for all known
RPV public improvements. It was prepared by SA Associates, a consulting engineering
firm, located in Arcadia. The President of the firm has been involved with the ASCE
Infrastructure Report Cards developed for Los Angeles County and California. The report
card being presented today is tailored on similar report cards prepared for the counties of
Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego. The backup documentation of the condition of each
item will be available on the city's website in early March. SA Associates indicates that
RPV is the only local municipality that the firm has prepared a report card and perhaps
one of the first non-urban California cities to do so.
The public improvements graded include our public buildings and park sites, trails, storm
water and sanitary sewer systems (including the Abalone Cove Assessment District),
right-of-way and traffic control devices, and the Palos Verdes Drive South landslide.
Infrastructure Management Plan
The report card is the stepping stone for the preparation of an integrated infrastructure
management plan (or IMP), which is used by cities and counties to chronicle the in-depth
condition of its public infrastructure and chart an operations and financial course for the
actions and funding required to maintain and preserve community public property. Such
a plan addresses community needs and sustains vital services over the long term by
keeping the aging and deteriorating infrastructure in good condition, thereby reducing cost
and effort over the long term.
The integration of the General Plan, community needs, policy, economics, and risk makes
the IMP more comprehensive than a typical 5-year capital improvement program. The
IMP provides an opportunity to determine the impact of different funding
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RPV INFRASTRUCTURE WORKSHOP
PAGE 30F 3
strategies/scenarios and prioritization on project delivery over the course of multiple
planning decades. One of the outcomes from the preparation of the IMP is a reality-based
capital improvement program.
The IMP would include detailed assessments of the long-term condition of public
improvements and a comprehensive study of the community's current and future needs
(including public safety and regulatory mandates) and an identification of the maintenance
level required for each public asset based on community expectations. The IMP also
calculates the resources and funding shortfalls and recommendations of city council
policies to assist with program implementation, goal-setting, and prioritization.
Community Involvement Process
It is recommended that following the presentation of the infrastructure report card the City
Council direct staff to distribute a request for proposals from qualified firms to prepare an
infrastructure management plan that includes a series of study sessions and community
workshops to drill-down into the condition of one infrastructure category.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate fiscal impact from this workshop. The cost to prepare the IMP
framework and perform the first in-depth assessment of one report card category is
estimated to be between $35,000 and $75,000.
CONCLUSION
The infrastructure systems of Rancho Palos Verdes should be built, maintained, and
upgraded on a continuous basis for the community to thrive. These investments result in
long term savings and positive growth, benefiting our present community for generations
to come.
Attachment: RPV Infrastructure Report Card
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
FOREWORD
It is with great pleasure that we present this 2013 Infrastructure Report Card to the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes. Infrastructure is designed and maintained by engineers and can be defined as:
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and utilities)
needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
This report card is an assessment of the existing condition of infrastructure in the City. It is a snapshot in a
moment of time: it does not evaluate community needs and priorities nor is it an in-depth assessment. It is
a data-driven, objective, professional review that grades the existing state of the infrastructure on an
established scale from Exceptional (A) to Failing (F), based on the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
guidelines and standard criterion. /
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The assessed infrastructure components in this report are: the City's Public Buildings, Park Sites, Trails, Storm
Water System, Sanitary Sewer System, Abalone Cove Assessment District S,eWer System, Right of Way and
Traffic Devices, and Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide. /
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This report card suggests improvements to raise the existing infrastructure condition one grade up and to
raise its grade to Exceptional ("A"). To calculate the cost estimat~~ associated with these two upgrades, an
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Infrastructure Management Program (IMP) is recommende<;I. While this report card assesses the current
condition of the infrastructure, and provide recommendations to improve it, an IMP will provide a
comprehensive cost estimate of the current and future needs on a long term basis, will identify the
maintenance level required for each infrastructu~e· component, will identify the resources, the funding
shortfalls, and will identify prioritization of proje~ts and expenditures.
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This report card reflects a collaborative effort by SA Associates and City staff, including members of Public
Works, Traffic/Right-of-Way, Water Qusilrty, Parks and Building Facilities, and Community Development.
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In spite of the current state of the, economy, it is the responsibility of engineers and our fellow citizens to
know the state of our infrastru.dure and to work towards improving it. As engineers, it is important that we
inform our public on the in,:ip~rtance of infrastructure maintenance, and encourage our colleagues in the
public sector to continu,71o seek infrastructure funding. We should not underestimate the importance of
infrastructure in our lives. It is essential to our way of life, our economy, and our health and wellbeing.
Warmest Regards,
Shahnawaz Ahmad, P.E.
President, SA Associates
ASCE Los Angeles Section President, 2003-04
APWA Southern California Chapter President, 2003
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Report Card provides an overview of the City, its infrastructure, as well as an evaluation of the various
infrastructure components. This Report Card is broken down into the following sections:
CONTENTS
1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 3
2. Grades and Grading Process ................................................................. 6
3. Report Card Summary ........................................................................... 8
4. Why Should I Be Interested ........................................................... 11
5. Infrastructure Costs ............................................................................ 12
6. Public Buildings ................................................................................... 13 /
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7. Parks .................................................................................................... 18 //
8. Trails ................................................................................................... .,22
9. Storm Water System ...................................................................... ~ .... 27
10. Citywide Sanitary Sewer System ........................................ './":.' ......... 30
11. Abalone Cove Assessment District Sewer System ...... Y .................. 33
12. Right of Way and Traffic Devices ........................ > .. ~ ...................... 36
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13. Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide .............. ,..: ............................. 40
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14. Acknowledgments .................................... ,::~ ..................................... 43
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"You and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on infrastructure"
-Margaret Thatcher /
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
The City retained SA Associates to evaluate the condition of the City's existing infrastructure and to prepare
an assessment of the existing condition of infrastructure in the City. This Report Card reflects the findings of
that analysis. The grades associated with each infrastructure component help the City prioritize its
infrastructural needs, help organize its decision making process, and also build a base for the preparation of
the City's Infrastructure Management Program. City staff provided support and feedback to SA Associates
during the preparation of this report.
1.2 CITY BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is located in the southwestern most portion of Los Angeles County. It is
bounded on the northwest by the City of Palos Verdes Estates, on the east by the 12ity of Los Angles (San
Pedro), on the north by the Cities of Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates, and on t~e"south and southwest by
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At the close of the 19th Century, the Palos Verdes Peninsula was inhabited solely by a few cattle ranchers
and sheepherders. The land was mostly covered with nothing more than native vegetation. Then, for a brief
period in the early 1900s, the Peninsula enjoyed prosperity not qnly as a cattle ranch, but also as a rich
farming area. Japanese immigrant families farmed the most southern slopes, growing fields of beans, peas
and tomatoes, while the manager of the cattle ranch grew ~aHey for hay and grain on the dryer northern
slopes. In 1913, Frank A. Vanderlip, president of the National Bank of New York, purchased the 16,000-acre
Palos Verdes Peninsula with a vision to develop the "m6st fashionable and exclusive residential colony" in ,
the nation. Unfortunately, his dream was put on ho)d after the Stock Market Crash, the Great Depression,
and the onset of World War II. None of these SE?tbacks, however, reduced the beauty of the Palos Verdes
Peninsula, or its potential desirability as a resi~ential area. ,
The city boundaries contain approximately 13.6 square miles of area and 7.5 miles of coastline. The reported
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population in 2000 was 41,145 and t,his is estimated to have increased to 42,800 in 2009.The population is
not expected to increase dramatJcally as only a small number of vacant areas remain for development.
Future developments and/or re(:levelopments that do occur will likely have limited impact on the overall
population. The City is curr,ently revising its General Plan and there is a strong community feeling that the
semi-rural nature of the community should be preserved. Today, as a result of the foresight of its founders
and residents, the City,of Rancho Palos Verdes continues to offer magnificent views, open spaces, clean air,
and remains an extremely desirable place to live.
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Figure 1.1: City shoreline
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
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2013
The climate of the City is Mediterranean with average annual rainfall of 13.17 inches. The majority of this
rainfall occurs during January, February, and March. The steep terrain of the Cjl:f allows most of the rainfall
to drain quickly with little observed surface flooding. The average temperature varies from 67!! F in the
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winter to 80!! F in the summer. /
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
1.3 CITY INFRASTRUCTURE
The City owns and/or maintains an extensive infrastructure system consisting of sewers, storm drains, roads,
parks, trails, and buildings. For this report, the following infrastructure categories/quantities were
considered:
·:· Public Buildings
17 Buildings I 68 ,819 Total Square Feet
•!• Park Sites
16 Parks I 185.95 Acres
•!• Trails
101 Preserve Trails/ 29 Miles
16 Non-Preserve Trails/ 3 miles
·:· Storm Water System r
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4 .6 miles of storm water lines; 588 catch basins; 67 manholes; 82 cul~erts; 51 inlets; 200 trash
excluders / /
•!• Sanitary Sewer System
150 miles of sewer lines; 3,707 manholes; 17 primary lift statipns
•!• Abalone Cove Assessment District Sewer Syst em
/ 7.8 miles; 130 manholes; 44 grinder pumps ; 4 primary lift stations
•!• Right of Way and Traffic Devices ,,
23,497,303 SF of AC pavement; 3,332,396 SF Of concrete sidewalk; 1,084,172 ft. of curb & gutter;
627,435 SF of medians /
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•!• Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide (ahd dewateri ng wells )
1.2 miles of Palos Verdes Drive South exposed to Landslide ,
The City maintains its infrastructure on a regular bas is as part of the City's annual capital improvements. The
City evaluates its infrastructure ne/ed~ and plan for improvements on a priority needs basis.
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CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 2: GRADES AND GRADING PROCESS
2.1 THE GRADING PROCESS
The grading process is performed as follows:
1. Identify Categories
2. Conduct Visits & Gather Information
3. Identify Grading Criteria
4. Review Available Documents
5. Assign Preliminary Grade for Review by Review Committee
6. Assign Final Grade
2013
The Infrastructure Report Card Working Group (Working Group); comprised of engineers specialized in the
assessed infrastructure categories, worked closely with the City staff to identify the categories to be
considered in the report card. Site visits, for all categories, were conducted and photos were taken for
documentation.
Information about each category was gathered, reviewed and categorized. The information included: master
plans, master plan updates, studies, third party consultant reports, City staff reports, City staff presentations,
survey plans, rehabilitation plans, City website, City budgets, City capital improvement plan, etc. The
documents reviewed for each category are listed at the end of each category section under the heading
"Sources".
After many hours of review and analysis, the Working Group assigned a preliminary grade to each category.
For the buildings and the parks, individual grades were assigned for each building/park and an overall grade
was calculated based on the individual grades.
The assigned grades were based on the reviewed City documents, the reports/studies prepared by third party
consultants, and the findings of the site visits.
The grades and the support material were reviewed by the "Review Committee" responsible for the quality
assurance/quality control of the Report Card. The review committee included professional engineers
specialized in the field of infrastructure. The Review Committee comments were discussed/implemented and
the final grades were assigned.
The assessment/grading was conducted for the existing facilities in the City and was based on the facilities
current condition. Future plans were not taken into consideration in the grading process. However, they
were considered in defining the future recommendations.
2.2 DEFINITION OF THE GRADES
The infrastructure report card utilizes grading criterion that the general public can relate to, similar to the
grading used in education. This is the grading criterion used by The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
in infrastructure grading.
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2013
Grade
A
B
c
D
F
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
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Percentage
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
41-69%
40%orlower
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Definition
Exceptional
Good
Average
Poor
Failing
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CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 3: REPORT CARD SUMMARY
2013
The following are summaries of the different infrastructure components and their associated grades:
Public Buildings: D
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes owns a total of 17 public facilities, located within park sites, with a total
square footage of 68,819. Most of the public buildings are 25 years old or older and were purchased from
school districts or transferred to the City from the federal government. The criteria of evaluation of the
public buildings was based on (1) the structural/seismic condition of the building, (2) the condition of exterior
and interior finishes, (3) the functionality/operability of the building's systems including electrical, plumbing,
heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and firefighting, (4) safety issues, and (5) sustainability and
energy saving. The Overall Grade for the public buildings is D. This shows a great need for
retrofitting/renovation of the public buildings. ,,-
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Park Sites: B /
The city has 16 parks, 3 recreational active, 12 recreational passive, and l:lnstitutional educational, with a
total acreage of about 186 acres. In addition to housing the City's community centers, the active parks
provide sports and recreational facilities; tot lots, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, grassy
fields, and picnic areas. Some parks also serve as trailheads for the/trails system serving the cities of Rancho
Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes Estates. Parks are maintained by outside
vendors retained by the City under the supervision of the Public Works Department. Other park activities
and rentals are managed by the Recreation and Parks Department. The City parks were assessed based on
(1) the condition of the available infrastructure, (l) the condition of the existing facilities (tot lots,
playgrounds, benches, picnic tables, drinking foul)tcllns, and sports facilities), and (3) the assigned parking.
The assessment showed more than 70% of the,,Parks in excellent condition. The Overall Grade for the park
sites is B. It is important to mention that the current condition of the City parks is the result of the recent
improvement/renovation projects. Maintaining this grade requires the continuity of these projects.
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Trails: A /
The City's trails network syster;, includes: (1) 101 Preserve trails about 29 miles in length, within the
/ approximately 1,400 acre .Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve). The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy (PVPLC) is /re'sponsible for the maintenance and repair of existing unimproved trails in the
Preserve while the City is responsible for the construction of new trails and maintenance of improved trails.
Preserve trails are generally maintained by volunteer crews. (2) 16 currently operating Non-Preserve Trails,
about 3 miles, within the City's open spaces, managed and maintained by the City. The trails are designated
for specific users. They are either pedestrian, cyclists, equestrians, a combination of any two, or
multipurpose trails designated for the three types of users. The assessment of the trails was based on (1)
the available access points and trail markers/signage, (2) available parking, (3) connectivity, and (4)
maintenance. The assessment showed the trails in a very good condition. The Overall Grade for the trails is
A.
Storm Water System: C
The City's storm water system consists of buried pipes, open channels, catch basins, inlets, and outlets
strategically placed within the City to drain water from properties and roads. For the City's storm water
system, the capacity, condition, operation and maintenance, and environmental sustainability of the system
were evaluated for grading purposes. Age is a significant factor in the evaluation of grading since a newer
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
system reflects both a capacity to accept the drainage flows and the condition to carry it properly. Since most
of the City's drainage facilities were constructed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works prior
to incorporation of the City, the City's drainage capacity is lacking in certain areas. However, due to the City's
investments, the storm water system provides functionality. With the completion of the Mccarroll Canyon
system and the San Ramon project currently under construction, the City is making strides to begin managing
its many uncontrolled canyons. Thus, overall grade was determined to be C. This shows a need for improving
the City's storm water system.
Citywide Sanitary Sewer System: D
The City's overall sewer system consists of sewer mainlines, laterals, manholes, lift stations, and grinder
pumps. The City's sewer mainlines consist mostly of gravity pipelines constructed with vitrified clay pipe
(VCP), with some force mains (pressure pipe) that transmit sewage from low elevation points. For the City's
sanitary sewer system, the capacity, condition, operation and maintenance, and environmental sustainability
of the system were evaluated for grading purposes. For sewer systems, age is a more significant factor in the
evaluation of grading than with storm drain systems since the age of sewers typically~eflects the capacity to
properly transmit flows. A damaged sewer system cannot transmit flows properly, and wastewater must be
transmitted and disposed of properly. Also, an older sewer system is likely io' reflect inferior construction
standards as well as deteriorated pipelines. Despite the age of the City's S!=i!Wer system, the system provides
acceptable functionality. Thus, overall grade was determined to be D. This shows a fairly strong need for
improving the City's sewer system.
Abalone Cove Assessment District Sewer System: D /
The City's Abalone Cove Assessment Sewer System is considered part of the sewer system in the 2009 Master
Plan but for billing and maintenance purposes it is cori.sidered a separate sewer system. The Abalone Cove
Assessment Sewer District System consists of sewer mainlines, laterals, manholes, grinder pumps, and 4 lift
stations. For the system, the capacity, concjjtion, operation and maintenance, and environmental
sustainability were evaluated for grading P\Jri>oses. Since the system was constructed in 2001 to help
minimize water infiltration into the landslide area and to replace septic systems, the capacity and condition
of the system were more heavily weighE:!d. The system is constructed using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and
Polyethylene (PE) pipe, due to the as:tlve landslide, however, vitrified clay pipe (VCP) is used in some areas.
Despite the threat of landslide, th,e'system currently has good capacity and condition. However, the system
is highly vulnerable to land movement and mechanical wear, and requires a high degree of maintenance, and
provides slightly less than d.esfred functionality. Thus, the overall grade was determined to be D. This shows
a strong need for impro~in'g the District sewer system.
Right of Way and Traffic Devices: A
The City's right of way network consists of local streets and arterials, including pavement, medians, curb,
gutter, sidewalk, street lights/signals, and right of way landscaping (i.e. median trees). In terms of length, the
majority of City roadways consist of local streets (i.e. residential), as local streets comprise nearly 75% of the
total length of roadways in the City. Arterials comprise 25% of the total length of roadways in the City. For
the City's right of way system, the capacity, condition, operation and maintenance, and environmental
sustainability of the system were evaluated for grading purposes. For right of way/street systems, the
condition is perhaps the primary aspect of concern to residents and City officials, as deteriorated pavement
poses a threat to the safety of not only motorists, but bicyclists and pedestrians in particular. Due to the
City's strong CIP program and excellent operation and maintenance procedures, the City's streets are in great
condition and provide exceptional functionality. Thus, the overall grade was determined to be A. This shows
that the City's right of way system is in good condition.
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Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide: D
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
An important portion of the City lies within a natural landslide area that is composed of several component
landslides. It is mainly located at Palos Verdes Drive South, an important arterial that connects the east part
of the city. The landslide affects not only surface streets and buildings, but also other infrastructure as well,
including much needed utilities. The City has established mitigation infrastructure and improvements as part
of efforts to slow the rate of the landslides and to minimize the likelihood of catastrophic landslide
movements. This mitigation infrastructure consists of, grading, and dewatering wells in addition to drainage
and sewer systems. The mitigation infrastructure was evaluated based on the capacity of the infrastructure
to prevent or slow subsurface land movement, the condition of the infrastructure as it relates to operation
and maintenance, and the environmental impacts as it relates to maintaining dwellings, landscapes, and
utilities, and protecting the public from harm. For the City's landslide mitigation infrastructure, only the,
grading, and dewatering wells were evaluated since drainage and sewer infrastructure were evaluated in
previous sections. Although the individual mitigation infrastructure is proving to slow landslide movements,
it does not fully meet the needs of the City and provides inadequate functionality . Thus, the overall grade
was determined to be D. This shows a very strong need for improving the Cit/s landslide mitigation
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 4: WHY SHOULD I BE INTERESTED?
The City's infrastructure benefits all of the City's citizens as well as its visitors . The City's infrastructure is vital
to not only the City's economy but also to the Palos Verdes Peninsula as a whole. In addition to its economic
importance, the quality of the City's infrastructure also has significant recreational and social benefits, which
include community centers, trails, and parks.
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Figure 3.1: Seascape Trail at Vicente Bluff Reserve
/ As with any home, each infrastructure system needs to be m;iintained and upgraded on a continuous basis .
Infrastructure system failures can cause disruptions to our daily lives, trigger slow-downs in economic
activity, or even be the cause of injury and death. For,6ample, a roadway failure could cause widespread
traffic jams, disrupt access to buildings and hospitals~ and could also result in fatal injury . Proper care of our
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cities, including maintaining our roads, upgradiµg storm water and sewer systems, and having regularly
evaluated and maintained systems, goes a longway. These investments will benefit our present community
for generations to come . ;'
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This assessment oft he current condition of the City's infrastructure is an indicator on how the City is currently
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doing and how it should act in theAuture.
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This report card is a tool t_p ~elf-appraisal that will empower the tracking of the current trends and the
forecasting of the City's future . This report card will inform the public and the policy makers, will establish
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community expectatioos, and will facilitate the policy makers in building the basis for the Infrastructure
Management Program .
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CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 5: CITY'S RECENT INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS
2013
Annual costs needed to maintain and appropriately expand the City's infrastructure are in the tens of millions
of dollars. These costs can better be considered as investments. Investment decisions are based on a priority
needs basis, through reports by City staff. These decisions are mostly recommended by City staff and
reviewed and approved by the City Council. The following are average annual investments made to each
infrastructure category over the past three years:
•!• Public Buildings
Average 2010-2013 Expenditures: $475,000/year
•!• Park Sites
Average 2010-2013 Expenditures: $1.4 million/year
•!• Trails
Average 2010-2013 Expenditures: $70,000/year
•!• Storm Water System
Average 2010-2013 Expenditures: $2.5 million/year
•!• Sanitary Sewer System
Average 2010-2013 Expenditures: $90,000/year
•!• Abalone Cove Assessment District Sewer System
Average 2010-2013 Expenditures: $77,000/year
•!• Right of Way and Traffic Devices /
Average 2010-2013 Expenditures: $4 million /year "
•!• Pa l os Verdes Drive South Landslide (and dewateri ng we lls}
Ave rage 2010-2013 Expenditures: $700,000/,ve'ar
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These numbers can fluctuate over a given time ye'riod from under $100,000 to over $5 million based on the
needs of the City's infrastructure. The sources of funding for the City's infrastructure come from the City's
general fund, CIP reserves, State and federal grants, and inter-agency funding with neighboring cities and the
County of Los Angeles. /"
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 6: PUBLIC BUILDINGS 0
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes owns a total of 17 public facilities with a total square footage of 68,819.
Located within park sites, the public facilities provide gathering spaces for the general public, learning and
exploration environments for the youth, and work spaces for public employees, representatives, and
volunteers. The maintenance of the public buildings is the responsibility of the Public Works Department.
The City's buildings are listed below:
No. Building Location Area Sq. Ft
City Hall (Administration& Catalina wing) Civic Center 17,530
2 Community Development Department Civic Center 4,604
3 PVNET Civic Center 3,08~
4 Cable TV (CH-33 Studio) Building Civic Center 1,242
5 Warhead Room I Shop Civic Center 890
6 Sign Maintenance Building Civic Center 880
Sub-total Civic Center Buildings 28,229
7 Ladera Linda Community Building Ladera Linda Park 3,473
8 Ladera Linda Discovery Room Ladera Linda Park 3,398
9 Ladera Linda Multi-Purpose Room Ladera Linda Park 3,288
10 Ladera Linda Classroom Ladera Linda Park 3,538
11 Ladera Linda Restroom Ladera Linda Park 5,182
Sub-total Ladera Linda Community Center 18,879
12 Pointe Vicente Interpretive Center (PVIC) Museum & Gift PVIC Park 9,746
Shop
13 Fred Hesse Jr. Community Building Hesse Park 9,040
14 Robert E. Ryan Community Building Ryan Park 1,725
15 Abalone Cove Building Abalone Cove Park 700
16 Eastview park (Restrooms) Eastview park 300
17 Pelican Cove (Fishing Access) Restrooms Pelican Cove Park 200
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/ Total Area for City Owned Buildings 68,819
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Except for PVIC (shown beto~ in Figure 5.1), the public buildings are 25 years old or older. Many of the
buildings were purchased {;om school districts or transferred to the City from the federal government. Some
,I
of these building were completely renovated like PVIC and Fred Hesse buildings, and only minor
improvements have been made to others since their acquisition (such as Ladera Linda buildings and City Hall
Buildings).
SA
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CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Figure 5.1: Point Vicente Interpretive Center Museum & Gift Shop
Assessment of City Buildings
/
/
The criteria of evaluation of the public buildings was based on: /
1. The structural/seismic condition of the building
2. The condition of exterior and interior finishes
/
2013
3. The functionality/operability of the building's systems including electrical, plumbing, heating
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and fire iighting
4. Safety issues /
5. Sustainability and energy saving
/
The compliance with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements was not considered in the evaluation
criteria since ADA improvements are -scheduled for all City Buildings; however, the cost of these
improvements should be considered v,vl1en calculating the investment needs.
,/
The assessment depended on the reports performed by consultants retained by the City (please refer to
"Sources" below for a list of these reports) and the visual inspection performed by the Infrastructure Working
Group. The "A" grade waYcfssigned to the newly constructed buildings, those in excellent condition, and the
other buildings were rp(ed relative to the "A" building(s), with "F" given to those buildings that are in very
poor condition. ,
The Civic Center and Ladera Linda buildings were mainly evaluated based on (1) the structural/seismic
condition especially in the event of an earthquake, (2) the safety risks and effect on productivity caused by
the condition/functionality of the building systems.
Final Grade
The Overall Grade for the public buildings is D. The overall grade was calculated as the average of the
individual grades of the 17 buildings. Figure 5.2 below provides the grades of the individual buildings:
SA 1-20
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Civi: Clnttr• city Hiii
dW:: Cl!nter-Plannl 111 O.ptirtment
Chic Ctnttr· PVNrT
Ci'l'ic:Ol:ntlr·Cllble1V(CH·l5St1Jcicil
Ch~ C.ntU• War Mad Room I ~op
C:hic C1nt1r-Sipi M1lnt1n1nt1 BUlldln1
PVIC Mliltum I.Gitt Shop
Lldlr1 I.Sidi oommunitylluidq
l.adlin Undl Olst.o\4ryRoom
l.ld9r"I LA-Id• MuM Purpose Room
L1dlr1 IM\dl dlmoom
udtn Unda i:ttstrooms
l'rvd HHHJr Community aJUdlRJ
RDbu1 ! Rayan communifi BL.i6tc
Ablbnt Cov1 lluildir1'
Pttlan CD\111 lfidllf'C AUU) Rt5tJoOmJ
D
-~-·--
I
I
.I
-
I
I
I
I -
Figure 5.1: Grades of City-owned Buildings
Investment Needs
--
I
Citizens take pride in their public buildings as they reflect their City's i~entity. The safety, well-being, quality
of life, and economic vitality of the City are tied to the services administered and delivered from these public
buildings. Green !1l and energy efficient city hall (similar to oth
1
e( neighbor cities) and community buildings
will have its benefits on the local community and economy. State-of-the-art green facilities will ensure safety,
increase revenue potential, improve health and productivity of employees, and ensure the anticipated
operability of city facilities in seismic/catastrophic even,t( The City has recently dedicated substantial efforts
in increasing energy efficiency in its facilities and haFsome energy saving projects in its future plans.
/
To upgrade the public buildings one grade up (from D to C), the city needs to perform retrofitting for some
buildings and system replacement for others~ This includes the replacement of the mechanical and electrical
systems for the City Hall Buildings and Lsidera Linda Community Center Buildings, and the retrofitting of Ryan
Community Building and Abalone ):ove Park Building. The upgrade also includes the necessary ADA
Compliance improvements for items identified as the "Potential Safety Hazard" and "Severe" barriers (the
most severe) in the City's ADAA~sessment Compliance Report.
/
/
To upgrade the public biylcJings to A, the City needs to perform complete retrofitting ofthe City Hall Buildings
and Ladera Linda Community Center Buildings and new solar power system for PVIC and Fred Hesse Buildings.
The upgrade shall also include all ADA compliance retrofitting for all buildings.
The cost estimate of the investment needs will be determined in the Infrastructure Management Program .
Although the complete retrofitting for City Hall Buildings!2l and Ladera Linda Community Buildings!3l will result
in modernized energy efficient buildings with an expected useful life of at least 20 years, the inherent
constraints of the structure's layout will remain and the area (square footage) will remain the same. Another
alternative is the complete replacement of these buildings. This will result in brand new, state-of-the-art
green and sustainable civic and community centers, which reflect the city's spirit of environment and habitat
preservation, and accommodate the city's future space needs. The replacement cost for the City Hall
buildings, and for Ladera Linda community buildings can be estimated in the Infrastructure Management
Program.
Funding for the City-owned infrastructure, including streets, parks, sewers, and buildings comes from various
1s j SA 1-21
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
sources; including transfers from the General Fund and restricted funds, and grants from other governmental
agencies.
The annual budget for buildings maintenance is in the range of $SOO,OOO. FY13-14 budget is around
$600,000.
Recommendations
1. Develop a comprehensive long term maintenance plan that ensures the continuous maintenance
and renovation of the buildings to extend their useful life, enhance their functionality, improve their
efficiency, and minimize their impact on the environment
2. Secure funding sources for maintenance, renovation or replacement of existing buildings and
construction of new buildings.
/
3. Perform a cost benefit analysis to decide between replacement or retr~fitting for the City Hall
Buildings and Ladera Linda Community Buildings.
I
4. Resume efforts/secure funding towards transferring city buildl~gs into green and sustainable
buildings, reflecting the city's spirit of environment and habitat preservation (the City's Green
Building Construction Ordinance was passed by the City C9uncil in November 2008)
/
Sources
• City Hall property Survey plans, 12/S/2007, KDM Meridien
• Modifications to Utilities Plan Site LA-SSL-TACT and Administration Facility Plan-Paving, Water
System & Diesel Storage (current City Hall site), 1963, Quinton Engineers Ltd.
• City Hall Generator Plans: Electrical, 2/12/2009, Nikolakopulos and Assoc., Inc., Plumbing: 4/9/2010,
The Sullivan Partnership Inc.
• LA Site SS Cathodic Protection (current City Hall site), 10/4/1968, Fort MacArthur, CA Office of the
Post Engineer
• ADA updates at City of RPV City Hall, 2/7 /2008, Willdan
• Seismic Hazard Evaluation for RPV Civic Center Buildings, 10/2S/2000, Breiholz Qazi Engineering, Inc.
• Community Development &Administration Building Floor Plans, date and preparer name not
available on plan
• Civic Center Facilities Assessment for City of RPV, 11/2010, Gonzalez Goodale Architects
• Certified Thermography Reports for Planning Department Building and Ladera Linda Community
Center, 3/2010, California IR
• TV Communication & Administration Building Floor Plan, date and preparer name not available on
plan
• City of RPV Accessibility Self Evaluation and Transition Plan, 6/4/2013, City Staff Report
• Office Space Planning Plans for Community Development Building, 10/30/2008, John M. Cruikshank
Consultants, Inc.
• City Hall Administration & PVNET Annex Floor Plan, 12/1/2008, date and preparer name not available
on plan
• Community Development Department Restroom ADA Compliance, 9/29/22010, John M. Cruikshank
Consultants, Inc.
• Sustainable Sites Initiative-A Case Study: Rancho Mirage City Hall Undergoes Site Renovation, APWA
by David Volz
SA 1-22
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
• Ladera Linda Facility Inspection Report, 6/29/2011, Willdan
• Ladera Linda Facility Preliminary Inspection Report, 2/22/2011, City Staff Report
• Ladera Linda Architectural/MEP/Landscape Plans, 1966-1967, Kistner, Wright & Wright Architects
and Engineers
• Ryan Park Restrooms Improvement and Accessibility Compliance, 5/4/2012, Willdan Landscape
Architects
• Abalone Cove Building Plans, 6/28/1989, Super Secur MFG. Co.
• Eastview Park Playground & Accessibility Improvements, 2/23/2013, BOA Architecture
• Fisherman's (Pelican Cove) Parking Lot Plans, 9/3/2008, Stantec
• "New Civic Center Financing Options", 6/29/2010, City Staff Report & PowerPoint Presentation
• ADA Assessment Compliance Reports, May 2013, BOA Architecture
• City of Rancho Palos Verdes Budget for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 and appended Capital Improvement
Plan
(1) The City's Green Building Construction Ordinance was passed by the City Council in November 2008,
I
(2) In 2009, the City Council initiated the creation of a Civic Center Master Plan, however, in 2012 this planning effort was placed on
hold. The future of this site and its uses, which must comply with the Program of Utilization for the site unless an amendment is
sought, remains undetermined until Master Planning efforts resume. Any changes in land use to the property through the Master
Planning efforts would require approval by the Planning Commission and City Council through public hearings along with review and
approval of a change, if necessary, to the Program of Utilization by the National Park Service .
(3) The Ladera Linda Park & Community Center Buildings Replacement concept'is comprised of 2 phases: Phase I includes infrastructure,
landscaping, and park improvements and Phase 2 covers the buildings . /
I
/
/
11 1 ..
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/
/
/
/
1-23
SECTION 7: PARK SITES B
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
"It is the goal of the City to conserve, protect and enhance its natural resources, beauty and open space for
the benefit and enjoyment of its residents and the residents of the entire region. Future development shall
recognize the sensitivity of the natural environment and be accomplished in such a manner as to maximize
the protection of it."-City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has a unique interconnected parks, trails and wildlife habitat system. The
system has crowned the City an exceptional recreational destination serving the local community and the
surrounding cit ies in and outside the Peninsula. The city has 16 parks, 3 recreational active, 12 recreational
passive, and 1 institutional educational with a total acreage of about 186 acres as shown in the exhibit below.
No. Park Name Use Designation Area
1 Abalone Cove Shoreline Pa rk (Upper & Recreational
Lower Parks) Pass ive 46.84
2 Clovercliff Park Recreational
Passive• 0 .17
3 Del Cerro Park Recreational
Pa ssive 4.50
4 Eastview Park Recreational
Passive* 9 .90
5 Founders Park (Mainta i ned by Trump) Rec reational
Passive 5.21
6 Frank E. Vanderlip Sr . Park Recreational
Passive• 0.48
7 Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park (Upper) Recreational
Active
8 Fred Hesse Jr. Community Park (Lower) Recreational 29.40
Active
9 Grandview Park Recreational
Passive 18.00
10 ladera Linda Community Center Park Institutional
Educat i onal 11.00
11 Marilyn Ryan Park {Maintained by Trump) Recreational
Passive• 1.50
12 Martingale Trailhead Park Recreational
Passive* 1.20
13 Pelican Cove Park (Fish ing Access) Recreational
Passive 10.50
14 Lower Point Vicente Park {Interpretive Recreational
Center -PVIC) Passive 28 .00
15 Upper Point Vicente Park and Civic Center & Recreational
Rancho Canines Dog Park Passive 8 .25
16 Robert E. Ryan Commun ity Park Recreational
Active 11.00
Total Acreage 186.86
*Use Designation proposed as part of the City's General Plan, not yet approved .
In addition to housing the City's community centers, the parks provide sports and recreational facilities; tot
lots, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, grassy fields, and picnic areas. The parks also serve as
trailheads for the trails system serving the cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates,
and Palos Verdes Estates.
The City is the home of stunning scenic ocean views, whale watching, hiking, biking, equestrian activities,
hands-on environmental exploration, and picnicking. The City's residents are exceptionally aware of the
importance and effect of the open spaces on the quality of l ife and have given the City's reserves, parks, and
1-24
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES t...~
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
trails a priority along the years. This is translated in Rancho Palos Verdes Coast Vision Plan that (1) established
the development and maintenance of community parks and recreational areas as a top priority and (2)
outlined new carefully planned projects to enhance the enjoyment of the beautiful coastline and the natural
landscape of the peninsula.
The current city document representing the parks system is the Parks Master Plan that was last revised in
1989. With the vision plan and the associated park developments in place, the update of the 1989 City's
Parks Master Plan becomes essential. An updated Parks Master Plan will consolidate existing information,
accumulate and incorporate related planning efforts, and map data to determine both the existing and
desired level of service related to both passive and active recreation in the City.
As part of the implementation of the Coast Vision Plan, the City has two new major park developments on
its unfunded CIP plan: The Lower Point Vicente Park Improvement Project (13-acre of the lower portion of
PVIC) and the Gateway Park Development (a 23-acre site within the City's Landslide Moratorium area). Other
major projects are the improvement of Grandview Park and Lower Hesse Park. r
/
~
Parks are maintained by outside vendors retained by the City under the sup~rvision of the Public Works
Department. Other park activities and rentals are managed by the Recreation and Parks Department.
//
Figure 6.1: Robert E Ryan Community Park
//
Assessment of Parks /
/
The City parks were afsessed based on:
1. The condition of the available infrastructure
/
/
2. The condition of the existing facilities (tot lots, playgrounds, benches, picnic tables, drinking
fountains, and sports facilities)
3. The assigned parking.
The ADA improvements were not considered in the evaluation criteria as they are scheduled for all City parks;
however, they were included in the investment needs . The assessment showed more than 70% of the parks
in excellent condition. The "A" grade was assigned to the parks that are in excellent condition, and the other
parks were rated relative to the "A" parks.
Note: The assessment of the city parks did not include the building components . The buildings were assessed
separately. Refer to Section 6: Public Buildings for assessment of buildings.
1-25
Final Grade
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
The Overall Grade for the parks is B. The overall grade was calculated as the average of the individual grades
of the 15 Parks. Figure 6.2 below provides the grades of the individual parks:
Upper PolntVictntl Civic CWltlr & Oos P1rk
Jt:j I ' I I ' I I I
I I ·'-il I I I I I I
Robert I!. Ry1n comrnunkyPlfk
I I I
Ptli c1nCCM: Pali; (l'ishin1Accu1)
1,I ---l-l_L_, I
,). __J I I
Grlndvltw P1rk
Fr.d Hiist Jr . communlly Park (LOw1r?
rred HtsH Jr . community Plrt (UpPfl1 II J
I /
•oundeBPtrk (Mllnulntd bvTnJmpl I I I /
Otl Gtrro Pwk
,, I
.,
I ii ) ) ) ) I ) ) ,. ,.
' , . / Abilon• COVI Shor11in1 Pirk (Upptr. LowerParkl)
D c 8
Figure 6.2: Park Grades
/
It is important to mention that the current very good condition of the City parks is the result of the recent
improvement/renovation projects . Maintaining this /grade requires the continuity of these projects.
/
Investment Needs
Expenditure for the maintenance of the 'parks, trails, and open spaces is about $1.35M/year, constituting
around 5% of the total Primary General Fund expenditure. Although the General Funds cover most of the
maintenance requirements, c~,rfently, Quimby Development Impact Developer fees are used for
construction/acquisition of p~rk and recreation facilities. In addition, county bond money (Measure A Parks
Maintenance/ lmprovem7nts) is allocated for acquisition and maintenance of open space and park
improvements. City Staff expects that allocations for maintenance from these sources will continue to be
available through FYH!-19, with the fund being closed by FY19-20, after which the City's General Funds will
have to cover 100% of the maintenance costs.
Investments will be needed to upgrade the parks system from B to A. This includes Abalone Cove Shoreline
Park Parking Improvement; Abalone Cove Shoreline Parking Lot Improvements; Lower Hesse Park
Improvement; Hesse Park parking lot resurfacing; Minor improvements to Civic Center park; Ryan Park
Parking Lot Improvements; Ladera Linda Park site Improvement; Lower Point Vicente Park Improvements;
Grandview Park Improvements; Gateway Park improvements; and all ADA compliance improvements for
all parks. ADA Compliance improvements for the "Potential Safety Hazard" and "Severe" barriers (the most
severe)
The cost estimate of the investment needs will be determined in the Infrastructure Management Program .
SA I 20 1-26
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Recommendations
Continuous maintenance, renovation, and development of the parks system, as follows:
1. Secure Consistent Funding: Develop consistent funding streams from all funding sectors to
ensure that projects can be implemented and maintained.
a. Maintain and increase the allocated budget for the maintenance of the parks. The annual
budget for parks maintenance is in the range of $1.35M and is expected to increase with the
increase of the number of active parks in the city.
b. Allocate funding for the implementation of the un-funded projects on the CIP plan.
c. Allocate funding for the implementation of the City's Vision Plan for the parks.
2. Update the Parks Master Plan (latest revision in 1989). An updated Parks Master Plan will
consolidate existing information, accumulate and incorporate related plann,ir(g efforts, and map
data to determine both the existing and desired level of service related to laoth passive and active
recreation in the City.
/
/
3. Expand Public Awareness: Broaden and strengthen the public's understanding of natural/cultural
values that will help protect our resources fo'r the future. Plan,' support, and enhance educational
/
opportunities through nature centers, outdoor education 1)rograms, and ranger programs.
/
Sources
/
• Parks Master Plan, Revised 1989
• Parks conceptual plans, survey plans, g~cling plans, improvement plans, irrigation plans, as-built
plans, etc. prepared by outsourced consultants for the City.
• ADA Assessment Compliance Repo~, May 2013, BOA Architecture
• City of Rancho Palos Verdes Bud~et for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 and appended Capital Improvement
/
Plan
/
/
/
/
. ' 1-27
SECTION 8: TRAILS A
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes began planning for a non-motor vehicle transportation circulation system
for pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists, as early as the adoption ofthe City's General Plan in 1975. In the
early years after the City's formation, it was recognized that trails are an integral part of the City's circulation
system and play an important role in contributing to the successful interaction of residential, institutional,
commercial, and recreational zoning, while encouraging recreational and fitness opportunities.
The City's trails network system includes :
• 101 Preserve trails about 29 miles in length. The Preserve trails are within the Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) is responsible for maintenance and
repair of existing unimproved trails in the Preserve while the City is responsible for the construction
of new trails and maintenance of improved trails. Preserve trails are generally maintained by
volunteer crews.
• 16 currently operating Non-Preserve Trails, about 3 miles, witbin designated trail easements
/ throughout the City, managed and maintained by the City.
,
The trails are designated for specific users. They are either pedesJrian, cyclists, equestrians, a combination
of any two, or multipurpose trails designated for the three types 6f users.
/
The City's current Trails Network Plan is identified by the 1993 Conceptual Trails Plan (CTP), and the 1996
/ Conceptual Bikeways Plan (CBP). Additionally, the 2012 city council adopted the Preserve Trails Plan (PTP)
that identifies the trails for the Palos Verdes Natu~ai Preserve, and the 2008 Coast Vision Plan, which is "a
modern vision to unify the City's coast through,Clesign," providing a framework of connectivity of public
amenities within and adjacent to the City's coa'stal zone, and identifying the route of the City's segment of
the California Coastal Trail. The current traiiS network plan divides the City into 5 sections or sub regions, as
depicted on the project area map showJI 1n Figure 7.1 below:
/
The City anticipates the updating"1nd consolidation of all of its existing trails plans and documents into a
single, comprehensive Trails Master Plan (TMP) expected to be completed in 2014. At this time, the City
/
expects the TMP to be orgar::iized in a similar geographical categorization. The TMP will also include the City's
segment of the Califorl}i{ Coastal Trail (9.5 miles) that extends the entire length of the City's coastline
between the boundary lines of the City of Palos Verdes Estates and the City of Los Angeles.
1-28
2013
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r:::::l a., "'""'"rv
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Clpln ~t<I Plen,.,.• Pu>pirbO
•Pa•h
-GollCCo.111161 ... •'iii""lllliiC====5·~ ..
Figure 7.1: Rancho Palos Verdes Trails Master Plan Project Area
Assessment of Trails
'
The trails network in the City is mainly comprised of natural trails, and the implementation of any new trails
will strictly preserve the existing ecosystem. As such, physical condition is not an evaluation factor.
The assessment of the trails was based on:
1. The available access points and trail markers/signage
2. Available parking,
3. Connectivity
4. Maintenance
All trails within the City are accessible and are provided with adequate trail markers identifying the trail name,
direction arrow, and designated trail uses. Trails also have signage indicating the direction of approved trails
which help users recognize app'roved and unapproved trails. New signs have recently been installed at
preserve trail heads explaini,ng the preserve rules .
All trails have designat,~d public parking areas either at trail heads, at public parks , or street parking . Although
currently sufficient, the noticed recent increase in the number of trail users is signaling the need for more
public parking spaces.
Recent efforts to link the Preserve and Non-Preserve trails has been tremendous and has improved the
connectivity of the City's trail system. Connectivity with the trails in neighboring cities in the peninsula is
being studied/implemented too.
Trails are well maintained . Vegetation clearance and weed abatement are performed regularly to ensure
easy and safe access and use.
23 1 SA 1-29
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Figure 7.2: North Spur Trallhead at Alta Vicente Reserve /
;
Final Grade /
The Overall Grade for the trails is A
Investment Needs
/
2013
Trails maintenance provides for erosion control, vegetation clearance and weed abatement. Preserve trails
are generally maihtained by volunteer crews managed p{PVPLC. Non-Preserve Trails are maintained by the
City. Expenditure for the maintenance of Non-Preser;ve trails is not available as a separate item. It is included
in the overall expenditure for parks, trails, and O{}en spaces which is about $1.3SM (FY13/14 Budget) mostly
from General Funds. Currently Quimby Dev~l6pment Impact Developer fees are used for construction or
acquisition of park and recreation facilities. 1fi' addition, county bond money (Measure A Parks Maintenance/
Improvements) is allocated for acquisitidn and maintenance of open space and park improvements. City
/
Staff expects that allocations for mai.ntenance will continue to be available through FY18-19, with the fund
/
being closed by FY19-20, after w~ich the City's General Funds will have to cover 100% of the maintenance
costs /
Figure 7.3: Burma Road Trail at Portuguese Bend Reserve
1-30
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Apart from trails maintenance, the trails projects outlined in the 2008 Vision Plan and the Preserve Trails Plan
were incorporated in the City's CIP Plan attached to the FY13/14 Budget. The CIP plan includes the
construction of the Crystal (Preserve) Trail (.12 mile) in the Forrestal Reserve. It also includes the following
projects for the Non-Preserve Trails: (1) the Preliminary Planning, Design, and construction for the Bronco,
Martingale, and Grayslake Trails, (2) the design and construction of the Salvation Army Trail Improvement
Project, (3) The Sunnyside Segment Trail connection, and (4) the construction of trailheads at key entrances
to the existing City trail system along with overlooks and vista points within the Vision Plan project area.
These project will contribute to the completion of the City's Trails Network Plan and will improve the
connectivity of the trails, the non-preserve trails, in particular.
Allocation of investments will be required to maintain the current "A" grade of the trails.
It was noticed that the currently available plans do not provide enough information oa;rthe non-existing trails
in the Trails Network Plan. These non-existing trails, when constructed, will impr9v~ the connectivity of the
trail system . These trails will be identified in the comprehensive Trails Master .Plan. Thus a comprehensive
Trails Master Plan will be required to calculate the required investmel)t' needs for the Infrastructure
/
Management Program (IMP).
Recommendations
/
1. Resume the current efforts to prepare the comprehensive Trails Master Plan (anticipated in
2014)
/
/ 2. Secure Consistent Funding: Develop con,Srstent funding streams from all funding sectors to
ensure that projects can be implement~d and maintained.
a. Maintain and increase the aHocated budget for the maintenance of the trails, particularly
/
outside the preserve. T-he annual requirements for trails maintenance is expected to
increase with the incr~ase of the no. of trails and the number of users.
b. Allocate funding for fhe implementation of the un-funded projects on the Trails Master plan.
/
//
2. Perform a Park1i1g Assessment Study for the trails system and provide solutions for the
anticipated fufure increase in the need for public parking, particularly adjacent to the Preserve.
This may include designating new parking areas or diverting trail users to less -used access points.
3. Perform a Visitor Survey/Study to find out the number of current trail users, the type of use (hike,
bike, equestrian), and the expected increase in the number of visitors. Such a study will guide in
planning future projects, their order of priority, and the need for new regulations to prevent any
unintended consequences that may arise from the increase in the number of users.
4. Expand Public Awareness: Continue and support the efforts in educating people recreationally
on how to use the City's trails to help ensure that sensitive areas are maintained in a thriving
state.
25 I SA 1-31
Sources
• 1993 Conceptual Trails Plan
• 1996 Conceptual Bikeways Plan
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
• 2008 Preserve Trails Plan (PTP)& Oct 2012 adopted amendment
• 2008 Coast Vision Plan
• City General Plan -Conservation and Open Spaces Element
• 2008 City Council Six Month Review for Trails at Portuguese Bend Reserve
• 2012 PVPLC Visitor Use Survey-Portuguese Bend Reserve
• 2013 Council Adopted PUMP Document
2013
• City of Rancho Palos Verdes Budget for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 and appended Capital Improvement Plan
/
;
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1-32
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 9: STORM WATER SYSTEM C
The City's landscape consists of a diverse topography that consists of undeveloped hilly terrain and canyons.
As a result, the City is more vulnerable to flooding from nearby canyons that carry runoff during rainstorms.
To protect property and loss of life, the City's storm drain system has been carefully designed to capture the
maximum amount of storm water through numerous inlets, including the newly constructed Mccarrell
Canyon Storm Drain inlet shown below in Figure 8.1:
/
/
Figure 8.1: Mccarrell Canyon Storm Drain Inlet North ot V D South
/
Due to the City's hilly terrain, the City's drainage system utilizes the natural landscape of the City to the extent
possible, as underground drains discharge water into adjacent canyons and creeks, or carry it to man-made
discharge structures. The City's storm water"~ltimately discharges into the ocean, in one of eight natural or
man-made discharge points (see Figure 3.2). As a result of utilizing the City's natural landscape, however,
/
City staff is faced with challenges of /having to maintain the City's aesthetic quality while preventing debris
accumulation from clogging drainJnlets.
/
Assessment of Storm water:' system
/
/
/
As mentioned previously, the City has a diverse, hilly terrain. The terrain varies from elevations at sea level
to over 1,400 feet above sea level. Due to this diverse topography, the City's storm drain system is divided
up into six separate drainage sub-basins, based on the natural characteristics of the terrain and the natural
direction of runoff flows for the areas. The drainage sub-basins include the following:
Drainage Area
Los Angeles Drainage Area
Ocean South Drainage Area
Ocean West Drainage Area
Palos Verdes Estates West Drainage Area
Palos Verdes Estates North Drainage Area
Rolling Hills Estates Drainage Area
Total
27 I SA
Area (ac)
2820
3330
710
1100
450
500
8910
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CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
Of the sub-basins, the Ocean South Drainage Sub -basin is the largest, consisting of over 3,300 acres and
nearly the majority of the City's coastline. The City's landslide area is also located within the Ocean South
Drainage Sub-basin. Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) is the major arterial street that transverses the Ocean
South Drainage Sub-basin. The Ocean South Drainage Sub-basin is also the only area of that contains
undeveloped land (that is not marked as reserve land), including the Portuguese Bend area north of PVDS.
Every other drainage sub-basin is nearly fully developed with a significant drainage infrastructure network.
With regard to man-made infrastructure, the City's storm drain system consists of inlets, pipes, manholes,
and discharge structures. Storm drain pipes consist of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), and corrugated metal
pipe (CMP). Overall, the condition and capacity of the City's storm drain infrastructure is consistent
throughout each drainage sub-basin. According to the City's records, there are over 4.6 miles of storm drain
lines, 82 culverts, along with a multitude of inlets, catch basins, and manholes. A significant portion of the
City's storm drain infrastructure lies within the Ocean South Drainage Area, including a number of culverts
that cross PVDS. Since a number of these culverts are also located within the City's landslide area, the culverts
are vulnerable to damage from severe landslides that result from heavy storms . Tile damage can also be
compounded when the culverts become clogged with natural debris from the surrounding landscape which
gets washed down during rainstorm periods . This could result in flooding which increases the potential for
significant landslide activity to occur. To prevent flooding, the City's goal is to ensure that the storm drain
pipe network drains stormwater away from developed areas and into one of eight outlets, as shown in Figure
8.2 below: ,
Figure 8.2: Outlet Structure to Ocean in Ocean West Drainage Area
As part of the City's goal to prevent flooding, the City is continually in the process of maintaining its existing
infrastructure and improving it by adding additional infrastructure. Maintenance typically includes repairing
and/or replacing damaged pipe, removing debris, and modifying existing. New improvements vary from small
residential storm drains to large, multi-million dollar projects such as the under-construction San-Ramon
Canyon Project just north of PVDS.
After reviewing several documents related to its storm water infrastructure, and visiting several locations,
including those in Figure 8.1 and Figure 8.2, the City 's storm water system was evaluated on following three
criteria:
1. The capacity of storm water infrastructure as it relates to flood prevention
2. The structural condition of storm water infrastructure as it relates to operation and maintenance
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
3. The environmental sustainability of storm water infrastructure as it relates to preserving the natural
landscape and wildlife when operating, maintaining, and improving stormwater infrastructure.
Final Grade
After looking at the three grading criteria categories, it was determined that the City had good capacity to
transmit storm water flows, average structural condition with appropriate operation and maintenance, and
exceptional environmental sustainability. The weight of these three criteria was then weighed as to the
overall level of importance of the system. Overall, the City's storm water system earned a grade of C.
Recommendations
Based on the assessment and grade of the City's storm water infrastructure, we recommend the following
actions:
•
•
•
•
•
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Maintain a strong CIP program /
A strong CIP program adds new infrastructure and also replaces existitlg failing infrastructure.
Renew Rates /
The City currently charges a fee to help fund its storm water ,system. This fee will expire at the end
of fiscal year 15-16. As a result of aging infrastructure and,rising construction costs, the City and i.ts
citizens will benefit from a more substantial storm wat~ budget resulting from renewal of the rates.
Utilize Natural Drainage Patterns ,
Thus far, the City has done a terrific job of utilizing natural drainage canyons and channels as opposed
to pipes and concrete channels. The City wou~d/benefit by continued use of natural landscapes to
keep the costs associated with constructing J1ew facilities low, when possible.
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Install debris reduction methods /
Debris reduction methods may includef the use of grouted rip-rap, where possible, in the place of
loose rock and gravel. /
Maintain proper maintenancefcreaning
Strong maintenance ensure~ properly working storm drains and the protection of property.
Inspect 100% of known Storm Drain System
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Sources /
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This report summary for the City's storm water system has been has been determined as a result of the
following sources of data:
• 2004 Master Plan Update
• CIP Priority Lists
• GIS Maps
• Current GIS Spreadsheet Data
• Meetings with City Staff
• Field Analysis
29 I SA 1-35
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 10: CITYWIDE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM 0
2013
The City's landscape consists of developed land to the extent practical, and the majority of the development
in the City consists of single family residential homes . This results in the need for an extensive sewer system
that has the capacity to properly transmit wastewater flows. Due to the City's hilly terrain, this results in the
need for a carefully designed sewer system that utilizes the natural landscape of the City to the extent
practical, in order to avoid additional infrastructure which can add to operation and maintenance costs and
lower the reliability of the system during power outages or equipment malfunctions. Figures 9.land 9.2 show
two of the City's wastewater lift (pumping) stations:
Figure 9.1: Laurel Drive Sewer Station
Assessment of Sanitary Sewer System ,
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As mentioned previously, the City has et diverse, hilly terrain. The terrain varies from elevations at sea level
to over 1,400 feet above sea leve~./As a result, the City has to utilize a combination of gravity pipes, lift
stations, and pressurized force 91ains. With regard to its sanitary sewer infrastructure, there are over 150
miles of sewer pipelines, 17 litystations, 44 grinder pumps, and 3,707 manholes. Sewer pipes consist primarily
of vitrified clay pipe (VCP~ with some plastic pipe, along with a few other materials. Due to the age of the
City's sewer system, thetfllajority of its pipe (VCP) was installed without gaskets, as the prevailing theory was
that additional grounawater that flowed into the pipes was good for cleaning and flushing of the pipes.
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Figure 9.2: Calle Entradero Sewer Station
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As part of the City's goal to maintain a properly working sewer system and ,t6 protect the public, the City is
continually in the process of maintaining its existing infrastructure and improving it by adding additional
infrastructure. The LA County Department of Public Woks provides me}intenance for the City's sewer system .
Maintenance typically includes repairing damaged pipe, repairing lift stations, removing debris from pipes,
and repairing manholes. New improvements vary from pipeline/eplacement to lift station replacement.
After reviewing several documents related to its sewer infrastructure, the City's sewer system was evaluated
on following three criteria: , /
1. The capacity of sewer infrastructure as it relates to transmission of wastewater flows (both gravity
pipes and pressurized force mains). "
2. The structural condition of sewer intrastructure as it relates to operation and maintenance.
3. The environmental sustainability'of sewer infrastructure as it relates to ensuring sanitary conditions
and an aesthetic City landsccipe.
Final Grade
/
After looking at the three grading criteria categories, it was determined that the City had good capacity to
transmit wastewater flo,w~ (both gravity and pressurized force mains), below average structural condition
with appropriate operation and maintenance, and a good safety/sanitary protection. The weight of these
three criteria was then weighed as to the overall level of importance of the system. Overall, the City's
wastewater system earned a grade of a D.
Recommendations
Based on the assessment and grade of the City 's sewer infrastructure, we recommend the following actions :
• Maintain a strong CIP program
A strong CIP program adds new infrastructure and also replaces existing failing infrastructure.
• Establish a sewer user fee rate
The County currently charges a fee to help fund maintenance of the sanitary sewer system. However
this fee is not sufficient for capital improvements or capacity increases.
31 1 SA 1-37
• Maintain proper maintenance
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
Strong maintenance ensures properly working lift stations, sewer mains, and the protection of
property and the public.
Sources
This report summary and the grade assigned for the City's sewer system has been has been determined as a
result of the following sources of data:
• 2009 Master Plan Update
• 2009 County Condition Assessment
• Meetings with City Staff
• Field Analysis
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2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES L~
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 11: ABALONE COVE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT SEWER SYSTEM 0
The Abalone Cove Assessment District (District) is a moderately developed portion of City land that is
comprised mostly of single family residential homes, along with one church building. The District
development is located in the heart of the landslide area and experiences a slow but continuous land
movement. As a result, the District requires a special kind of sewer system that can maximize reliability while
minimizing maintenance due to ground movement. The District also requires a system that fits its hilly
terrain. Figure 10.1 below shows the Abalone Cove landscape:
Figure 10 .1: Abalone Cove/Portuguese Bend Reserv~, '
Assessment of Abalone Cove Sewer System /
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As mentioned previously, the District, as well as the City overall, has a diverse, hilly terrain. The terrain varies ,
from elevations at sea level to over 1,,400 feet above sea level. As a result, the District has to utilize a
combination of gravity pipes, grinder' pumps, low-pressure sewer mains, lift stations, and high pressurized
force mains. According to the 20.p~{ Master Plan, the District's system was installed in 2001 to replace septic
systems in landslide areas. There are 130 manholes, 1 diversion structure, approximately 19,000 linear feet
of gravity pipeline, 19,615 Jinear feet of low pressure pipe, and 2,505 linear feet of force main. Overall, there
are 44 grinder pumps in the District, with 41 of them serving single family homes and 3 duplex grinder pumps
serving two or more residences. There are 4 lift stations serving the District, one of which is the Abalone Cove
Shoreline Park Lift Station shown in Figure 10.2 below:
33 1 SA 1-39
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Figure 10.2: Abalone Cove Shoreline Park Sewer Lift Station
;
2013
Since the District is prone to landslide, the City is continually in the process of maintaining its existing
infrastructure and improving it by adding additional infrastructure. Mainten'ance typically includes repairing
damaged pipe, repairing lift stations, grinder pumps, removing debris from pipes, and repairing manholes.
New improvements vary from pipeline replacement to lift statio,n ~eplacement. With the Abalone Cove
Assessment District, this is all the more important, due to the presence of multiple grinder pumps and low
pressure mains that use galvanized transmission lines, as welJ ls' the potential for landslide.
After reviewing several documents related to its se~er infrastructure, the District's sewer system was
evaluated on following three criteria: /
/
1. The capacity of sewer infrastructure as'it relates to transmission of wastewater flows (both gravity
pipes and pressurized force mains). "
2. The structural condition of sew~r'infrastructure as it relates to operation and maintenance.
3. The environmental sustainability of sewer infrastructure as it relates to ensuring sanitary conditions
and an aesthetic City land~cape.
/
Final Grade /
/
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After looking at the three grading criteria categories, it was determined that the District had good capacity
to transmit wastewater flows (both gravity and pressurized force mains), below average structural condition
with appropriate operation and maintenance, and a good safety/sanitary protection. The weight of these
three criteria was then weighed as to the overall level of importance of the system. Overall, the Abalone Cove
Assessment District's wastewater system earned a grade of D.
Recommendations
Based on the assessment and grade of the City's sewer infrastructure, we recommend the following actions:
• Maintain a strong CIP program
A strong CIP program adds new infrastructure and also replaces existing failing infrastructure.
• Increase Rates
The City currently charges a fee from District properties to help fund the District's sanitary sewer
SA 1-40
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
system. Even though the City subsidizes part of the maintenance cost, the budget is not sufficient for
required maintenance and capital improvements. As a result of high maintenance and replacement
costs due to landslide activity, the District and its citizens will benefit from a more substantial sanitary
sewer budget resulting from an increased rate.
• Maintain proper maintenance
Strong maintenance ensures properly working lift stations, sewer mains, and the protection of
property and the public.
Sources
This report summary and the grade assigned for the City's sewer system has been has been determined as a
result of the following:
• 2009 Master Plan Update
• 2009 County Condition Assessment
• Discussions with City Staff
• Field Analysis
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SECTION 12: RIGHT OF WAY &
TRAFFIC DEVICES A
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
The City maintains a right of way network that consists of over 142 miles of local streets and major arterials.
Due to the demographics of the City, local streets comprise the majority of the City's roadways at
approximately 75% of the overall length or 106 miles. All of the City's roadways consist of asphalt-concrete
(AC), with over 23 million square feet of AC pavement. In addition to the road network, the City also maintains
traffic signals, safety lights, and flashers . The City's right of way network serves both motorists as well as
bicyclists and pedestrians with nearly all major arterials consisting of a sidewalk and bike lanes. Figure 11.1
below provides a sample of the condition of the City's streets.
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Figure 11.1: Crest Rd west of Crenshaw Blvd lopi<ing southwest
I
In 2009, the City hired a consultant to prepare a Pavement Management System (PMS) report that provided
a summary, inventory, and breakdown of the condition of the City's streets. The 2009 PMS was prepared as
a means to guide planning efforts to maintain the City's large capital investment in streets. The main function
of the PMS lies in the implementation of capital improvements such that every dollar spent is maximized
towards extending the lifespap -o'f the street network. The 2013 PMS update is currently being prepared and
is expected to be completed by March 2014.
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Assessment of City Right of Way and Traffic Devices
Due to the City's hilly terrain, major arterials are not arranged in a typical North/South grid-like manner, but
rather change direction as they traverse the City's landscape. Figure 11.2 below illustrates this.
SA 1-42
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Figure 11.2: Hawthorne Blvd looking northwest
Oftentimes, the City's major arterials do not provide direct access to destinations. Th~re are also no freeways
or highways located in the City. However, travel access restrictions are offset by,, the natural beauty of the
City and the man-made landscape improvements along the City's streets, and .the City is well known for its
accommodating environment to all commuters, including cyclists, equestri~( and pedestrians. Nearly all of
the City's major arterials provide bike lanes for cyclists. The City's bi~e lanes are categorized into four
different classes of bike lanes, as classified by the City's Conceptual Bi~eways Plan (Plan), adopted in January
of 1990 and revised in October of 1996. The Plan classifies bikeways as either Class I, Class I/Off-Road, Class
II, or Class Ill. The Plan's purpose is to identify the bikeway'J' bpportunities with the community and to
implement new bikeways into development projects and into the City's public trails network.
One major factor that makes the City's streets so appe9lrhg to both motorists and cyclists is the condition of
the pavement, not only on major arterials but throµghout the City's streets as whole. The 2009 Pavement
/ Management System (PMS) revealed that the Cit~'s streets received an overall score of 84.5 on the Pavement
Condition Index (PCI) and 95.3 on the Structurjl't Index (SI), while arterials received a score of 76.8 on the PCI
index and 90.8 on the SI index. The PCI ancfSI indexes focus on different aspects of pavement conditions.
Residential streets received a score of 87.6 on the PCI Index and a score of 97.1 on the SI index. The 2013
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PMS update revealed that the City's s~reets received an overall score of 82 on the PCI index. PCls greater than
86 are considered to be "very goo~,u/and Sis greater than 90 are considered to be "good". Figure 11.2 below
shows a sample condition of resiaential streets:
//
Figure 11.3: Beach View Drive Looking East
With regard to vehicular traffic conditions, the City does experience some moderate to high traffic volumes
37 I SA
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CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
which results in a low Level of Service (LOS) for major arterials. A recent Traffic Study Report conducted in
2011-2012 revealed that the current traffic conditions in certain intersections of Palos Verdes Drive South
and Hawthorne Boulevard resulted in a LOS ranging from A to F, with F being a low level of service with traffic
delays. The Traffic Study Report was prepared mainly to identify traffic impacts associated with a
development project in the Abalone Cove are known as the Annenberg Project . Despite the low LOS
associated with certain intersections, the City does look for new ways to improve traffic conditions , and
overall traffic conditions are good throughout the City .
With regard to pedestrian traffic, the City does have an annual sidewalk maintenance program, with an
annual budget of $140,000 . The City routinely looks for ways to improve sidewalk conditions throughout the
City, and sidewalk conditions were noted to be in great condition throughout the City .
After reviewing several documents related to the City's right of way and traffic devices, the City's right of way
and traffic devices were evaluated on following three criteria:
/
1. The capacity of infrastructure as it relates to accommodating vehicula~, bicycle, equestrian, and
pedestrian traffic flows
2. The structural condition of infrastructure as it relates to drive-ability, fide -ability, walk-ability, safety,
/ and also as it relates to operation and maintenance costs and efforts.
3. The environmental condition of infrastructure as it relates to promoting recreation, an aesthetic
environment, and preserving nature.
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Final Grade
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After looking at the three grading criteria categories, it was determined that the City had good capacity to
accommodate traffic flows, good structural cqnditions of pavement and sidewalk, and excellent
environmental conditions. The weight of these three criteria was then weighed as to the overall level of
importance of the system . Overall, the City's traffic and right of way network earned a grade of A. ,
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Recommendations
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Based on the assessment and g(ade of the City's right of way infrastructure, we recommend the following
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actions: /
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• Maintain a str,ong CIP program
A strong CIP program adds new infrastructure and also replaces existing failing infrastructure.
• Continue to Seek and Obtain Funding Sources
The City's existing funding sources, although adequate for routine maintenance, may need to be
supplemented to implement larger improvement projects.
• Maintain proper maintenance
Strong maintenance ensures excellent pavement conditions, pedestrian access, and the protection
of property and the public.
Sources
This report summary and the grade assigned for the City's right of way system has been has been determined
as a result of the following sources of data:
SA . 1-44
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
• 2011-2012 Traffic Study
• 2008 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program
• 1996 Conceptual Bikeways Plan
• 2009 Pavement Management System Report
• Discussions with City Staff
• Field Analysis
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CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 13: PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH LANDSLIDE 0
2013
A significant portion of the City lies within a natural landslide area that is composed of several component
landslides. Overall, these landslides move southerly towards the ocean into the Abalone Cove, Sacred Cove,
and Portuguese Bend shorelines. Approximately 1,000 acres, or 12% ofthe City's 13.6 square mile limits, are
affected by landslide. The landslide affects not only surface streets and buildings, but also other
infrastructure as well, including below grade utilities. Figure 12.1 below shows part of the City's landscape
that is located within the landslide region:
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Figure 12.1: Palos Verdes Drive South along Landslij:le Area ,
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Assessment of the Landslide and Landslide"lnfrastructure ,
There are over a dozen landslides that ma'ke up what is known as the City's landslide area along Palos Verdes
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Drive South. The three main landslides in the City are the Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend, and Klondike
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Canyon Landslides. The landslides ;:ire caused primarily by groundwater which decreases the strength of clays
and adds additional weight to ~ubsurface soils. Rainfall is the primary contributor to groundwater. The City
has three main drainage ba;;in's within the landslide regions that collect rainwater and allow it to percolate
to the soils below. The7e/ drainage basins include the Altamira Canyon Drainage Basin, the Portuguese
Canyon/Paintbrush C~Ayon Drainage Basin, and the Klondike Canyon Drainage Basin. It is estimated that 50-
75% of storm water infiltrates the canyons to become groundwater, primarily through fractures and
expansive soils. Although the City has established drainage facilities within these canyons, the landslide
movement causes damage to drainage facilities which enables more storm water to enter the surface below.
Figure 12.1 shows a damaged half corrugated pipe system along Palos Verdes Drive South resulting from
continuous landslide movement:
1-46
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
Figure 12.2: Landslide Damage to Palos Verdes Drive South
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To combat infiltrating storm water and landslide movements, the City has established mitigation
infrastructure and improvements as part of efforts to slow the rate of tlfe' landslides and to minimize the
likelihood of catastrophic landslide movements. This mitigation infrastructure consists of, grading, and
dewatering wells in addition to drainage and sewer systems. For th[s ;ection of the report, only the, grading,
and dewatering wells were evaluated. The grading performed by/the City in 1986 and recently in 2010 has
resulted in significant benefits for the City. Also, the City's de~tering wells (in addition to other wells not ·' owned by the City) help extract groundwater which enables subsurface ground movement. Overall, it
appears that the mitigation efforts and infrastructure are''effective in slowing subsurface land movement and
' preventing storm water from collecting/ponding. /
After reviewing several documents related tqAhe City's landslide mitigation infrastructure, the following
three categories were evaluated: /
1. The capacity of the infrastruc~u(e to prevent or slow subsurface land movement
2. The condition of the infrastJucture as it relates to operation and maintenance.
3. The environmental imp_atts as it relates to maintaining dwellings, landscapes, and utilities, and
protecting the public ffom harm.
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Final Grade /
After looking at the three grading criteria categories, it was determined that although the condition and
environmental impacts of the infrastructure (i.e. grading/drainage ) was measurable , and although the
dewatering wells extract a large amount of groundwater, the infrastructure is inadequate during years of
high rainfall, leaving the City's streets and building vulnerable to landslide damage. Overall, the City's
landslide mitigation infrastructure earned a grade of A.
Recommendations
Based on the assessment and grade of the City's sewer infrastructure, we recommend the following actions:
•
•
Maintain a strong CIP program
A strong CIP program adds new infrastructure and also replaces existing failing infrastructure.
Continue to seek and obtain Funding Sources
.. 1-47
CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD 2013
The City's existing funding sources, although adequate for routine maintenance, may need to be
supplemented to implement larger improvement projects, especially after a landslide emergency.
• Maintain a strong maintenance program
Strong maintenance ensures properly working mechanical infrastructure, and also corrects eroded
grading improvements.
• Continue to Work Together with other agencies
A portion of dewatering wells located in the City are not owned by the City. Thus, the City would
benefit from a continued and strong alliance with all owners of landslide mitigation infrastructure.
• Groundwater sources in neighboring cities should be investigated and minimize, if possible
Sources
This report summary and the grade assigned for the City's landslide mitigation infrastructure system has been
has been determined as a result of the following sources of data: ,.-
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• 2012 Abalone Cove , Portuguese Bend, and Klondike Canyon Landftli'des: Landslide Workshop
Presentation
• Discussions with City Staff
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1-48
2013 CITY OF RANCHOS PALOS VERDES
INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD
SECTION 14: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City of Rancho Palos Verdes:
• Siamak Motahari
Public Buildings, Parks, Trails
• Bindu Vaish
Public Buildings, Parks, Trails
• Ron Dragoo
Storm Water, Sewer, Abalone Cove Sewer, Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide
• Andy Winje
Storm Water, Sewer, Abalone Cove Sewer, Palos Verdes Drive South Landsl~9e
• Nicole Jules
Right of Way
• Ara Mihranian
Trails
SA Associates:
• Shahnawaz Ahmad
President, Project Manager
• Ruba Qaqish
Public Buildings, Parks, and Trails
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• Phillip West /
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Storm Water, Sewer, Abakine Cove Sewer, and Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide
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43 I SA 1-49
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