CC SR 20231219 J - Border Issues Second Biannual Report
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 12/19/2023
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to review the second biannual 2023 Border Issues
report.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the second biannual report on the status of Border Issues for
2023.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Megan Barnes, Senior Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Same as below
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Cabrilla II at Ponte Vista presentation (page A-1)
B. August 2023 Daily Breeze article on West Harbor (page B-1)
C. July 25, 2023 Palos Verdes Estates City Council staff report (page C-1)
D. September 6, 2023 Palos Verdes Estates Traffic Safety Committee staff report
(page D-1)
E. November 9, 2023 Palos Verdes Estates Traffic Safety Committee staff report
(page E-1)
F. December 12, 2023 Rolling Hills Estates City Council staff report (page F-1)
G. July 6, 2023 comment letter on Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project
(page G-1)
____________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND:
This is the second biannual report to the City Council on various “Border Issues”
potentially affecting residents of Rancho Palos Verdes for 2023. This biannual report
includes an update on the following projects:
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• 248-unit Butcher Solana apartment project at Hawthorne Boulevard and Via
Valmonte in Torrance
• Proposed leasing of the Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro for commercial
fueling operations
• Ponte Vista development on a former Navy housing site on Western Avenue in
San Pedro
• Issues and events related to the Rancho LPG butane storage facility in San Pedro
• San Pedro Waterfront Project (West Harbor)
• Proposed 11-unit mixed-use residential development at 24601 Hawthorne
Boulevard in Torrance
• Rancho Del Mar Affordable Housing Overlay Zone in Rolling Hills
• Caltrans Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project
• Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Project in Palos Verdes Estates
• George F Canyon Nature Center Renovation Project in Rolling Hills Estates
• Proposed Starbucks drive-thru at 28110 South Western Avenue in San Pedro
• Proposed 18-unit mixed-use development on Hawthorne Boulevard near Rolling
Hills Road in Torrance
• Proposed residence at 77 Portuguese Bend Road in Rolling Hills
• Proposed Caltrans Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project
The full current status report and archived reports are available on the City’s website at:
http://www.rpvca.gov/781/Border-Issues-Status-Report
Please note that pursuant to City Council Policy No. 34, the next Border Issues Status
Report is tentatively scheduled to be considered on a June 2024 City Council agenda.
DISCUSSION:
Current Border Issues
Butcher Solana Residential Development Project (Torrance)
There has been no change in the status of the proposed Butcher Solana apartment
project at the southwest corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Via Valmonte, which would
consist of 248 one- and two-bedroom apartments in three five-story buildings with 484
parking spaces in a six-story structure.
According to the City of Torrance, in mid-September 2019, the project developer notified
planning staff it was putting the project on hold while it reviewed more than 690 comment
letters on the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which was released in
June 2019. Planning staff for the City of Torrance has indicated that as of December
2023, the project remains on hold.
2
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports. Additional
information about the project is available on the City of Torrance’s website at
https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/community-development/planning/butcher-solana.
Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro (Los Angeles (San Pedro))
Negotiations remain ongoing for two leases for Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro
(DFSP), the sprawling, inactive U.S. Navy fuel tank farm on North Gaffey Street (which
borders the City on a stretch of Western Avenue), and an 8-acre Marine Terminal about
five miles southeast in the Port of Long Beach.
According to the Navy, the Marine Terminal lease is likely to be signed no earlier than
spring 2024. For the Main Terminal, the potential lessee is expected to finalize its plans
for the property in the coming weeks. The Navy will then determine whether a
Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) is needed. The signing of a Main Terminal
outlease would not take place until all environmental documentation is complete. If no
additional EA is needed, the lease could be wrapped up by fall 2024. If a supplemental
EA is needed, that would likely push the lease signing back to mid to late 2025.
No additional information about the leases is available due to Department of Defense
solicitation regulations. Once they are signed, the Navy will be able to provide additional
information.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Ponte Vista (formerly Highpark) Project (Los Angeles (San Pedro))
Home building continues at Ponte Vista, the 676-unit project on 61.4 acres of former Navy
along Western Avenue in San Pedro across from Green Hills Memorial Park, which will
consist of single-family homes, townhomes, and flats.
According to master developer Harridge Development Group, almost all areas of Ponte
Vista are in various phases of construction. In October 2023, plans were submitted for
Subarea 4A in the northeast corner of the site, the only remaining subarea to be
developed. This 2.92-acre subarea will be called Cabrilla II and will consist of 54 attached
three-story residential units in seven buildings designed by Meritage Homes. The homes
are nearly identical to those in Subarea 4B, known as Cabrilla, which were also designed
by Meritage Homes. Designs and elevations of the Subarea 4A homes are included in
this report as Attachment A. As of the writing of this report, Staff plans to attend a
presentation about the project at the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council
meeting on December 13, 2023.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
3
Rancho LPG Butane Storage Facility, Los Angeles (San Pedro)
There has been no change in the status of Rancho LPG, the facility on North Gaffey Street
in San Pedro, where 25 million gallons of butane are stored in two aboveground tanks
and another five horizontal storage tanks each holds 60,000 gallons of propane. Rancho
LPG has long been the subject of concerns from residents of San Pedro, the Eastview
area of Rancho Palos Verdes, and others about safety and the potential for a catastrophic
explosion. Plains All American Pipeline, which owns the facility, has defended its safety
record and procedures.
Staff has requested an update on the status of a City of Los Angeles report requested by
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker in May 2023 in response to photos
showing varying levels of water in a water basin at Rancho LPG. At that time,
Councilmember McOsker introduced a motion calling for an investigation of the water
basin and its impact on overall operations and mitigations, noting that should the basin
become polluted, the release of contaminated water could impact local water
infrastructure. The motion requested a report back from various City of Los Angeles
departments with an analysis of regulating authority for the water basin under the purview
of the city’s jurisdiction when it comes to the operations of the site and potential water
contamination produced by Rancho LPG.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
San Pedro Waterfront Project (West Harbor) (Port of Los Angeles)
Construction continues on the West Harbor development at the site of the former Ports
O’ Call Village in San Pedro, which will include 375,000 square feet of restaurants, retail,
office, open space, and entertainment over 42 acres. Over the summer, steel framing for
the first structures in West Harbor began to rise.
The project developer unveiled an updated design for a proposed 6,200-seat outdoor
amphitheater in August 2023, changing the shell style to a rectangular cube.
4
According to the Daily Breeze, the
revisions also include elevating the
stage and shifting it slightly east toward
the port, and a design that allows for
more flexibility to use small speaker
boxes that can be more easily spaced
apart and have a more specific
directional focus (Attachment B). The
new design includes more amenities
and space for performers to load,
unload and store large equipment, and
an additional 2,000-space surface
overflow parking lot.
The amphitheater would host
approximately 100 paid events per
year, generally from April through
November. It is Staff’s understanding
that the stage speakers would face
south toward the ocean and away from
residential neighborhoods to minimize
noise impacts. In addition to concerts, 25 offshore barge fireworks displays per year are
proposed.
Staff has reached out to the Port of Los Angeles for an updated estimated release date
for a supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR) studying the proposed
amphitheater.
West Harbor is expected to open in phases as early as late 2024, with a grand opening
in 2025.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Mixed-Use Residential Development at 24601 Hawthorne Boulevard (Torrance)
There has been no change in the status of the proposed mixed-use development on the
northwest corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Via Valmonte in the City of Torrance
(across from the Butcher-Solana project). Located at 24601 Hawthorne Boulevard, the
proposed project consists of an 11-unit, two-story multiple-family residential building over
a semi-subterranean parking garage, and a three-story office building.
On October 6, 2021, the Torrance Planning Commission was scheduled to review a draft
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and consider approving a Conditional Use Permit
for the project. However, the project developer, Ashai Design Consulting Corporation,
agreed to continue the Planning Commission hearing indefinitely to conduct public
Images: Studio One Eleven
5
outreach regarding traffic, density, and neighborhood compatibility concerns from nearby
residents, including those in the Valmonte neighborhood.
It is Staff’s understanding that Ashai Design has taken public feedback received at
outreach meetings into consideration, but that no new Planning Commission hearing date
has been set at this time. It is also unknown at this time whether project revisions will
occur.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Rancho Del Mar Affordable Housing Overlay Zone (Rolling Hills)
There has been no change in the status of the Rancho Del Mar Affordable Housing
Overlay Zone in the City of Rolling Hills, a mixed-use, multi-family overlay zone on a 31-
acre site owned by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) at 38
Crest Road West, which is included in Rolling Hills’ 6th Cycle Housing Element. The
overlay zone allows the addition of up to 16 multi-family units by-right, including low- and
very low-income units, in an area west of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority
(PVPTA) facility. According to planning staff at the City of Rolling Hills, the city previously
received informal inquiries about developing the site. However, no plans have been
submitted.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project (Caltrans)
According to Caltrans, construction on Phase II of the Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian
Improvement Project, which includes the installation of bike lanes, has been postponed
to early 2024 and is expected to take 6-7 months to complete. Staff has requested
Caltrans provide the City advance notice so the City can give residents notice and avoid
miscommunication like that which occurred when roadwork related to the Ponte Vista
project was performed on Western Avenue in 2020. The City also intends to ensure the
Western Avenue Beautification Project aligns with Caltrans project.
Caltrans is pursuing the Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project to
enhance connectivity and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians along Western Avenue
from 25th Street in San Pedro to Carson Street in Torrance. The project also includes the
installation of curb ramps compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
and pavement markings to create a northbound right-turn lane at Westmont
Drive/Delasonde Drive. This portion of Western Avenue is owned, operated, and
maintained by Caltrans as part of the state highway system. The City has no jurisdiction
over Western Avenue, but can share feedback and public concerns with Caltrans.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
6
Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Project (Palos Verdes Estates)
On July 25, 2023, the Palos Verdes Estates City Council authorized the City’s engineering
consultant, HR Green, to investigate traffic improvement measures as part of the Palos
Verdes Drive West Corridor Project, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion along the
Palos Verdes Drive West corridor, including its intersections with Via Corta and Palos
Verdes Drive North (Attachment C). On September 6, 2023, the Traffic Safety Committee
received an update on the project, with staff set to review existing corridor improvement
recommendations to determine the viability of implementing interim improvements, as
well as rough order of magnitude cost estimates (Attachment D). On November 9, 2023,
the Traffic Safety Committee continued its review and discussion regarding alternative
traffic control options (Attachment E). The committee requested an update be presented
to the City Council, including a request to authorize staff to evaluate alternative traffic
control devices using existing budget appropriations. Further discussion on the alternative
traffic control devices is scheduled for a special Traffic Safety Committee meeting on
January 10, 2024.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
George F Canyon Nature Center Renovation Project (Rolling Hills Estates)
According to the City of Rolling Hills Estates, plans for the George F Canyon Nature
Center Renovation Project are complete, through plan check, and almost ready for permit
issuance. The project includes the demolition of the aging George F Canyon Nature
Center on the southwest corner of Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive East
and the construction of a new nature center/community center. As of the writing of this
report, the City Council was set to consider awarding a professional services agreement
for bidding support and construction management services at its December 12, 2023
meeting (Attachment F).
Only very minor changes have been made to the project since it was approved by the
Rolling Hills Estates City Council in August 2022 due to structural and fire department
requirements. The city now expects to put the project out to bid by late January or early
February 2024 and present bids to the City Council in April 2024. If a construction contract
is awarded at that time, then work would commence soon thereafter.
The project will include a single-level, 1,750-square-foot nature center/community room
building with a viewing deck, a 1,000-square-foot outdoor classroom area with a
photovoltaic (PV) shade canopy, storage enclosures, a boardwalk with a canyon
overlook, privacy screen, community-preferred fencing, gate, and associated parking and
drop-off spaces, increasing the overall size of the facility to 3,290 square feet. The outdoor
amphitheater will remain and be accessed by a new boardwalk ramp from a central court
between the nature center and the covered outdoor classroom area. The overall project
has been downsized from a 5,500-square-foot version that was considered in 2019.
7
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Starbucks Drive-Thru at 28110 South Western Avenue (Los Angeles (San Pedro))
According to the Kaidence Group, a Phoenix-based commercial real estate developer, an
application will be submitted to the City of Los Angeles in early 2024 for a proposed
Starbucks drive-thru in the Garden Village Shopping Center in San Pedro on Western
Avenue just north of Westmont Drive.
The Kaidence Group previously planned to build a 2,178-square-foot Starbucks drive-
thru on the site of a vacant bank building but withdrew its application in May 2023. The
drive-thru is now eyed for the site of a vacant Coco’s restaurant space in the southwest
corner of the shopping center. Details, including the proposed size of the drive-thru, will
be available when a formal application is submitted.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Mixed-Use Residential Development on Hawthorne Boulevard Near Rolling Hills
Road (Torrance)
According to City of Torrance planning staff, the application for a proposed 18-unit
apartment mixed-use development along the east side of Hawthorne Boulevard just north
of Rolling Hills Road was deemed incomplete and there are no new updates.
In 2022, silhouettes went up outlining the visual impacts of the proposed project, including
5,745 square feet of office space. The site is located on seven vacant parcels within the
city’s Hillside Overlay Area.
It is Staff’s understanding that the project will not require an environmental review
because it meets the parameters of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines Section 15332, meaning it is considered an “infill” development project. This
exemption is intended to promote infill development, which is defined by the Governor’s
Office of Planning and Research as “building within unused and underutilized lands within
existing development patterns, typically but not exclusively in urban areas.”
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
77 Portuguese Bend Road (Rolling Hills)
There has been no change in the status of the proposed residential development located
at 77 Portuguese Bend Road in the City of Rolling Hills (referred to as the Shen
Residence).
The proposed project consists of the construction of an 8,847-square-foot single-family
residence, a 2,427-square-foot guesthouse, a 2,766-square-foot pool area, and the re-
alignment and potential modification of an existing road and driveway into the easement
8
area located between residences at 73 and 74 Portuguese Bend Road. The home would
include two two-car garages, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two half-bathrooms.
Amenities would include an open central courtyard, a gym/workshop, a breakfast nook, a
laundry room, and a pantry. The guesthouse would include an open pond courtyard, one
bedroom, one bathroom and one half-bathroom. The pool area would include a swimming
pool with a pool gate, jacuzzi, walkway, and pool deck. The proposed project would also
include a 450-square-foot stable, a 550-square-foot corral, and a trash enclosure near
the northern boundary of the project footprint.
The City previously provided comments on a Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt an initial
study and mitigated negative declaration (IS/MND) for the project that was released by
the City of Rolling Hills in December 2022.
City of Rolling Hills planning staff previously indicated that the next step was for the
applicant’s geotechnical engineer to review and prepare responses to comments. It was
Staff's understanding that there was a possibility that the project notice may be reissued
due to information that needed to be corrected and updated. This would give Community
Development Department Staff another opportunity to provide comments.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project (Caltrans)
In July 2023, Staff submitted a comment letter to Caltrans regarding the proposed Vincent
Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project, which will require a long-term partial or full
bridge closure that will result in major traffic impacts to commuters, including those
traveling between the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Long Beach/Orange County.
The project aims to preserve the 60-year-old suspension bridge’s structural integrity and
enhance overall safety by replacing the deck and upgrading barriers, railings, and seismic
sensors. Work is expected to take place from 2025 to 2027, with either a full bridge
closure for 9-12 months, or partial closures ranging from 24 to 36 months.
The City’s letter (Attachment G) recognized the urgency of completing the repair work but
noted concerns about traffic and air quality impacts, urging Caltrans to consider studying
additional project alternatives, including adding a second bridge deck or replacing the
bridge entirely. The letter also expressed the City’s support for exploring the use of a
potential ferry or water taxi service during construction, creating a community advisory
committee, and improving public outreach and transparency.
According to Caltrans, a draft environmental document is expected to be released in late
January or early February 2024.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
9
Cabrilla II
Subarea 4A of The Ponte Vista At San Pedro Specific Plan
•Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council
•Case No.: DIR-2023-6717-SPP-SPPA
•Project Permit Compliance Review And Project Permit Adjustment
A-1
Builder Highlights
•Fifth largest public home builder
in the US.
•Ranked as one of Forbes’ best
mid-sized companies in 2021.
•Focuses on entry-level and first
move-up buyers in AZ, CA, CO, TX,
FL, GA, NC, SC, and TN.
•Delivered over 140,000 homes in
its 38 year history.
•Reputation for distinctive style,
quality construction, and award-
winning customer experience.
•Ten -time recipient of the US EPA
Energy Star Partner of the Year for
Sustained Excellence Award since
2013 for innovation and industry
leadership in energy efficient
home building.A-2
PVSP Specific Plan Area
A-3
PONTE VISTA DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY
Specific Plan Quick Facts
Gross Acreage: 61.5 Gross Acres
Location: Ponte Vista is located on the east side of Western Avenue,
between Palos Verdes Drive and Westmont Drive.
Jurisdiction: City of Los Angeles
Product Type: Single Family Detached Homes, Townhomes, and Townhomes
For-Rent
Lot Count: 688 Total Residential Units
Site Condition: Specific Plan backbone is installed, and subareas are in
various stages of construction, development, and sales.
Development: All Subareas, except for Subarea 4A, are either under
construction or are occupied.
A-4
Subarea 4A Highlights
•54 attached 3-story townhomes to complete Subarea
4.
•Private driveways provide circulation around and
within the Subarea.
•Maximum height of the homes is approximately 35
feet to the top of the parapet
•Two -car garages are provided for every unit in the
Subarea.
•Additional street parking is provided around the
Subarea.
A-5
Elevation and Floor Plan Summary
•A total of 7 buildings are proposed.
•Architectural styles proposed include:
•Mediterranean Eclectic
•California Modern
•Early California Modern
•Four floor plans are proposed. (Plan 3 has a second variation):
•Plan 1 (3 bd/4 ba): 1,731 sf
•Plan 2 (3 bd/3 ba): 1,810 sf
•Plan 3 (4 bd/3.5 ba): 1,776 sf
•Plan 4 (4 bd/3.5 ba): 1,969 sf
A-6
California Modern (Color Scheme 1)
A-7
Early California Modern (Color Scheme 2)
A-8
Early California Modern (Color Scheme 3)
A-9
California Modern (Color Scheme 4)
A-10
Mediterranean Eclectic (Color Scheme 1)
A-11
Landscaping
A-12
Entitlement Requests
Case No.: DIR-2023-6717-SPP-SPPA
1.Project Permit Compliance Review pursuant to the Los Angeles Municipal Code
(“LAMC”) Section 11.5.7 to allow the development of 54 one-family attached
townhomes in Subarea 4A of the Ponte Vista Specific Plan area.
2.Project Permit Adjustment pursuant to LAMC Section 11.5.7-E to reduce setback
requirements by no more than 20% and to provide relief from façade zone
requirements as outlined in the Ponte Vista Design Guidelines.
A-13
Site Plan
A-14
Questions?
Thank you!
A-15
12/8/23, 3:01 PM Designers unveil updated design for amphitheater at San Pedro’s West Harbor – Daily Breeze
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/08/17/designers-unveil-updated-design-for-amphitheater-at-san-pedros-west-harbor/1/7
NEWSNEWS
Designers unveil updated designDesigners unveil updated design
for amphitheater at San Pedro’sfor amphitheater at San Pedro’s
West HarborWest Harbor
Changes include a pivot of the stage slightlyChanges include a pivot of the stage slightly
east, pointing more toward the port shippingeast, pointing more toward the port shipping
channel's water, and a design that allows forchannel's water, and a design that allows for
more flexibility to use small speaker boxes thatmore flexibility to use small speaker boxes that
can be more easily spaced apart and have acan be more easily spaced apart and have a
more specific directional focus.more specific directional focus.
• •NewsNews
B-1
12/8/23, 3:01 PM Designers unveil updated design for amphitheater at San Pedro’s West Harbor – Daily Breeze
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/08/17/designers-unveil-updated-design-for-amphitheater-at-san-pedros-west-harbor/2/7
By By DONNA LITTLEJOHNDONNA LITTLEJOHN | | dlittlejohn@scng.comdlittlejohn@scng.com | Daily Breeze | Daily Breeze
PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: August 17, 2023 at 5:27 p.m.August 17, 2023 at 5:27 p.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: August 17, 2023 atAugust 17, 2023 at
5:47 p.m.5:47 p.m.
Aerial view of newly redesigned amphitheater proposed for the West Harbor waterfrontAerial view of newly redesigned amphitheater proposed for the West Harbor waterfront
development in San Pedro. (Rendering courtesy of Studio One Eleven)development in San Pedro. (Rendering courtesy of Studio One Eleven)
Among the more spectacular plans for San Pedro’s new West Harbor waterfrontAmong the more spectacular plans for San Pedro’s new West Harbor waterfront
redevelopment is a 6,200-seat outdoor amphitheater that will feature an array ofredevelopment is a 6,200-seat outdoor amphitheater that will feature an array of
musical genres, including popular rock acts.musical genres, including popular rock acts.
But the plan has drawn concerns about amplified sounds and other disruptionsBut the plan has drawn concerns about amplified sounds and other disruptions
to nearby neighborhoods in south San Pedro.to nearby neighborhoods in south San Pedro.
This week, developers, adding that neighborhood compatibility is a priority,This week, developers, adding that neighborhood compatibility is a priority,
released an updated design that they hope will speak to some of thosereleased an updated design that they hope will speak to some of those
apprehensions.apprehensions.
Changes include a pivot of the stage slightly east, pointing more toward the portChanges include a pivot of the stage slightly east, pointing more toward the port
shipping channel’s water, and a design that allows for more flexibility to useshipping channel’s water, and a design that allows for more flexibility to use
small speaker boxes that can be more easily spaced apart and have a moresmall speaker boxes that can be more easily spaced apart and have a more
specific directional focus.specific directional focus.
The new design also features more amenities and space for performers to load,The new design also features more amenities and space for performers to load,
unload and store large equipment, and an additional 2,000-space surfaceunload and store large equipment, and an additional 2,000-space surface
overflow parking lot.overflow parking lot.
Studio One-Eleven has been working with the West Harbor developers andStudio One-Eleven has been working with the West Harbor developers and
Nederlander Concerts in Los Angeles, which will manage the venue that will sitNederlander Concerts in Los Angeles, which will manage the venue that will sit
on far southern end of West Harbor’s 42-acre linear footprint.on far southern end of West Harbor’s 42-acre linear footprint.
B-2
12/8/23, 3:01 PM Designers unveil updated design for amphitheater at San Pedro’s West Harbor – Daily Breeze
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/08/17/designers-unveil-updated-design-for-amphitheater-at-san-pedros-west-harbor/3/7
The venue will feature bookings across all genres and kinds of music, from jazz toThe venue will feature bookings across all genres and kinds of music, from jazz to
rock and symphonic, perhaps even Broadway-style summer theater.rock and symphonic, perhaps even Broadway-style summer theater.
Entertainment in the tradition of Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and other singer-Entertainment in the tradition of Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and other singer-
songwriters will likely be especially drawn to the site, said Nederlander COO Renasongwriters will likely be especially drawn to the site, said Nederlander COO Rena
Wasserman.Wasserman.
The amphitheater currently is undergoing a supplemental environmental impactThe amphitheater currently is undergoing a supplemental environmental impact
review that is set to be released sometime later this year. That will be followed byreview that is set to be released sometime later this year. That will be followed by
a public review for input.a public review for input.
“The shape of the venue compared to the previous design will make it easier to“The shape of the venue compared to the previous design will make it easier to
hang sound (equipment) and focus that toward the audience as opposed tohang sound (equipment) and focus that toward the audience as opposed to
anything bleeding out into the neighborhood,” Wasserman said in a telephoneanything bleeding out into the neighborhood,” Wasserman said in a telephone
interview on Thursday, Aug. 17.interview on Thursday, Aug. 17.
The stage area, also, she said, has been “pivoted a little bit more toward theThe stage area, also, she said, has been “pivoted a little bit more toward the
water.”water.”
Responding to community concerns about how sound might bleed out intoResponding to community concerns about how sound might bleed out into
residential areas, the changes also include pivoting the stage area slightly east,residential areas, the changes also include pivoting the stage area slightly east,
more toward the water, she said..more toward the water, she said..
With technology also having changed significantly in recent years, WassermanWith technology also having changed significantly in recent years, Wasserman
said, the new design will allow smaller speakers to be directed and moved insaid, the new design will allow smaller speakers to be directed and moved in
specific ways to better control and focus the sound.specific ways to better control and focus the sound.
Wasserman, who formerly managed the Greek Theatre, pointed to that 41-year-Wasserman, who formerly managed the Greek Theatre, pointed to that 41-year-
old venue’s history. “They have had a terrific relationship with their neighbors,”old venue’s history. “They have had a terrific relationship with their neighbors,”
she said.she said.
“You’re always going to have concerns with an outdoor venue,” she added,“You’re always going to have concerns with an outdoor venue,” she added,
“there’s no way around that. We’ve always been very concerned about how (this)“there’s no way around that. We’ve always been very concerned about how (this)
works not only for the artists but with the neighbors and employers” around it.works not only for the artists but with the neighbors and employers” around it.
The venue will occupy some 108,000 square feet at the southern end of the WestThe venue will occupy some 108,000 square feet at the southern end of the West
Harbor waterfront development footprint. That will place it just east of theHarbor waterfront development footprint. That will place it just east of the
Southern Pacific Slip where commercial fishing boats tie up. The stage, which willSouthern Pacific Slip where commercial fishing boats tie up. The stage, which will
sit 6 feet off the ground, will be on the north part of the footprint facingsit 6 feet off the ground, will be on the north part of the footprint facing
southeast with the audience to the south and facing north toward downtown Sansoutheast with the audience to the south and facing north toward downtown San
Pedro. Large screens will project out toward the audience.Pedro. Large screens will project out toward the audience.
B-3
12/8/23, 3:01 PM Designers unveil updated design for amphitheater at San Pedro’s West Harbor – Daily Breeze
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/08/17/designers-unveil-updated-design-for-amphitheater-at-san-pedros-west-harbor/4/7
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It will all sit on a gently sloped “great lawn” of artificial turf — on about 50,000It will all sit on a gently sloped “great lawn” of artificial turf — on about 50,000
square feet — and will offer programming year-round and seats that can besquare feet — and will offer programming year-round and seats that can be
moved in and out or reconfigured. That versatility, Wasserman said, willmoved in and out or reconfigured. That versatility, Wasserman said, will
accommodate rows of seats, seats with tables and chairs, or no seats allowing foraccommodate rows of seats, seats with tables and chairs, or no seats allowing for
a standing festival event.a standing festival event.
When there are no professional bookings, the area can accommodateWhen there are no professional bookings, the area can accommodate
community use for gatherings such as graduations, yoga classes or family picnics.community use for gatherings such as graduations, yoga classes or family picnics.
It also can be used simply as open space when concert season ends.It also can be used simply as open space when concert season ends.
An original EIR was approved but only for 500 seats, requiring this currentAn original EIR was approved but only for 500 seats, requiring this current
supplemental review that calls for 6,200 seats, which is about the same size assupplemental review that calls for 6,200 seats, which is about the same size as
the Greek Theatre. Originally, Wasserman said, the stage area featured the Greek Theatre. Originally, Wasserman said, the stage area featured a “shell”a “shell”
designdesign that is designed more specifically for symphony performances. That that is designed more specifically for symphony performances. That
design also has been changed and the elevated stage is geared to provide betterdesign also has been changed and the elevated stage is geared to provide better
viewing.viewing.
Backstage accommodations will include green rooms and dressing rooms; aBackstage accommodations will include green rooms and dressing rooms; a
rooftop viewing bar and lounge is planned at the rear of the amphitheater androoftop viewing bar and lounge is planned at the rear of the amphitheater and
also spaces for concessions and restrooms.also spaces for concessions and restrooms.
The design, according to a news release, “is intended to complement the port’sThe design, according to a news release, “is intended to complement the port’s
industrial character with a stage house that is modeled after the industrial metalindustrial character with a stage house that is modeled after the industrial metal
warehouses surrounding the site. A modern LED facade will provide the ability towarehouses surrounding the site. A modern LED facade will provide the ability to
“shapeshift” the simple shed through art, graphics and videos to accompany the“shapeshift” the simple shed through art, graphics and videos to accompany the
performing artists.performing artists.
Wasserman said the amphitheater should be ready to open around mid-2025,Wasserman said the amphitheater should be ready to open around mid-2025,
shortly after the rest of the West Harbor attraction debuts in late 2024 and intoshortly after the rest of the West Harbor attraction debuts in late 2024 and into
early 2025 when the grand opening is set.early 2025 when the grand opening is set.
“The great thing is that with the flexibility of this venue it can easily scale down,”“The great thing is that with the flexibility of this venue it can easily scale down,”
she said.she said.
But it is the location, she said, that will give the venue its special vibe.But it is the location, she said, that will give the venue its special vibe.
“In one word,” she said, “Location, location, location. It’s the water.”“In one word,” she said, “Location, location, location. It’s the water.”
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M E M O R A N D U M
Agenda Item: 7
Meeting Date: July 25, 2023
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: ANASTASIA SEIMS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
STEVE LORISO, CITY ENGINEER
THRU: ELAINE JENG, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE DEVELOPED AT THE MAY 3, 2023 MEETING RELATING
TO TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF PALOS
VERDES DRIVE WEST/VIA CORTA AND PALOS VERDES DRIVE
WEST/PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH
DATE: JULY 25, 2023
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Committee relating to traffic
improvements at the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive West/Via Corta, and Palos Verdes
Drive West/Palos Verdes Drive North as follows:
•Review existing feasibility analysis document and suggested alternatives.
•Research/consider possible alternatives that may not be included in the original
analysis on the intersections (i.e., the improvements presented to the City Council
on March 23, 2021, etc.) and update/prepare exhibits to be used for presentations
to the Traffic Safety Committee and City Council.
•Review/update rough order of magnitude cost estimate for the various alternatives
identified within the report.
•Coordinate funding opportunities on behalf of the City with Metro to confirm
compliance of potential projects with available funding requirements.
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BACKGROUND
At the February 14, 2023, City Council Meeting, a formal report was provided to the City
Council and the City Council referred to the Traffic Safety Committee the consideration of
PVDW corridor improvements with public outreach.
Options for PVDW corridor improvements include:
1.Implementing smaller, City-funded low-cost improvements at the intersection of
PVDW and Via Corta, such as those presented to City Council at the March 23,
2021 City Council Meeting;
2.Implementing no improvements to the intersection of PVDW and Via Corta or at the
triangle; or
3.Implementing a major improvement project, such as a traffic signal, at the
PVDW/Via Corta intersection and at the triangle.
DISCUSSION
The above options were discussed at the May 3, 2023, Traffic Safety Committee Meeting,
and the Traffic Safety Committee recommended that Staff request authorization from City
Council to complete the following:
•Review existing feasibility analysis document and suggested alternatives.
•Research/consider possible alternatives that may not be included in the original
analysis on the intersections (i.e., the improvements presented to the City Council
on March 23, 2021, etc.) and update/prepare exhibits to be used for presentations
to the Traffic Safety Committee and City Council.
•Review/update rough order of magnitude cost estimate for the various alternatives
identified within the report.
•Coordinate funding opportunities on behalf of the City with Metro to confirm
compliance of potential projects with available funding requirements.
If the City Council approves the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Committee, staff
would direct HR Green to investigate traffic improvement measures at the triangle, and
PVDW/Via Corta. To execute the work recommended by the Traffic Safety Committee,
HR Green estimated that it would cost $40,000 to produce the deliverables. HR Green’s
deliverables will be provided to the Traffic Safety Committee for consideration. At that
time, the Traffic Safety Committee could develop recommendations to the City Council or
continue to work with staff on congestion relief measures.
FISCAL IMPACT
In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, the City Council appropriated $70,000 of Prop C Funds for
engineering services relating to traffic improvements at PVDW/Via Corta, and the
Triangle. To date, $1,695 of Prop C funds has been spent on traffic engineering. There
are sufficient funds to pay for the traffic engineering work recommended by the Traffic
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Safety Committee.
ATTACHMENTS
A – March 23, 2021 Staff Report for the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Improvement
Project
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Agenda Item #:
Meeting Date:
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
THRU: LAURA GUGLIELMO, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TIM JONASSON, CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST CORRIDOR EXPANSION
PROJECT – PHASING OPTIONS
DATE: MARCH 23, 2021
ACTION REQUIRED CONSENT RECEIVE & FILE
Recommendation:
In order to expedite improvements to the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection
direct staff to:
1. Have Metro revise the draft funding agreement to move forward with Project
Approval/Environmental Documentation and Plans, Specifications & Estimates for
the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection as Phase 1 of the Palos Verdes
Drive West Corridor Expansion Project; or,
2. Adopt interim measures for the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection as
recommend by the Traffic Safety Committee and continue with Metro on the
original project schedule; or,
3. Provide staff with alternate direction
Summary
The Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Expansion project is at a critical juncture as to
whether or not to expedite a portion of the ultimate improvements or remain on the current
schedule and construct interim improvements to relieve traffic congestion at the Via Corta
intersection. The ultimate improvements include roundabout and signal options for both
the Via Corta and Palos Verdes Drive North intersections which are on track for
construction in the third quarter of 2023. The ultimate improvement options are scheduled
for environmental review with public input this summer. However, in order to expedite
improvements to the Via Corta intersection, Metro staff said they are willing to consider
moving the environmental (PA/ED) and design (PS&E) phases of the Via Corta portion of
the project up approximately one year provided the City pay for any costs in excess of the
M E M O R A N D U M
X
133-23-2021
ATTACHMENT A
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$677,000 that was previously approved for the PA/ED phase only of the entire project.
Staff estimates the City will need an additional $132,000 to expedite this portion of the
project.
In the meantime, interim improvements to alleviate the need for manual traffic control (i.e.,
police or private security directing traffic) have been under consideration by the Traffic
Safety Committee. These improvements would reduce delay at the Via Corta intersection,
but would involve non reimbursable costs of approximately $402,000. Also, staff does not
recommend constructing the interim improvements if the Via Corta intersection ultimate
improvements are expedited since the additional cost and disruption to the intersection
would not be justified for the short period before the ultimate improvements are under
construction.
Background and Analysis
On January 26, 2021 staff provided an update on the status of the Palos Verdes Drive
Corridor interim and ultimate improvements. City Council expressed concern about the
schedule and what measures could be taken to expedite construction currently slated for
summer 2023. Staff approached Metro on the possibility of expediting the ultimate Via
Corta intersection improvements only into the PA/ED and PS&E phases this year in order
to be able to request construction funding in early 2022. This would move the construction
for the ultimate improvements up approximately one year into summer/fall 2022.
Metro staff responded that they would support splitting the project with the following
caveats:
1. The City would complete the PA/ED and PS&E phases for Phase 1 (PVD West/Via
Corta) within the $677,000 previously approved budget; and
2. The City provide Metro with a revised cost and scope for these phases for Phase 1
Staff worked with Michael Baker International (MBI) who prepared the 2019 feasibility
study for the project and developed the scope and budget estimate for completing PA/ED
and PS&E phases for Phase 1. Based on MBI’s estimate of $715,000 and HR Green’s
estimate of $94,000 to administer MBI’s contract and coordinate the selection of design
options through the public process staff estimates there will be a shortfall of approximately
$132,000 in the current Metro budget. This additional budget would have to be provided
by the City in order to expedite the construction phase of the ultimate improvements
approximately one year.
Based on phasing the corridor improvements as described staff anticipates the following
revised project schedule:
Project Phase Estimated Time Period
PA/ED & PS&E – Phase 1 June 2021 to April 2022
Construction Authorization from Metro June 2022
Construction – Phase 1 July 2022 to May 2023
PA/ED & PS&E - Phase 2 June 2022 to April 2023
Construction Authorization from Metro June 2023
Construction – Phase 2 July 2023 to May 2024
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All funding approvals for design (PS&E) and construction for both phases are subject to
approval of Metro and will likely require matching of costs by the City to be determined at
the time of the application to Metro. If City Council approves moving forward a draft
agreement for Phase 1 would be brought to the council as soon as it is approved as to form
by Metro’s attorney which is anticipated to be approximately 45 days.
Traffic Safety Committee Action
On March 3, 2021 the Traffic Safety Committee recommended the City Council consider
four interim measures for the PVD West/Via Corta intersection until the permanent
improvements could be constructed. The four interim street and parking measures are
shown in Figure 1 and described as follows:
1. Widen eastbound PVD West by narrowing the median. (ISM1.1) The additional
lane would accommodate through and right-turn movements. To provide an
accepting lane on the east side of the intersection the existing on-street parking on
the south side of PVD West is recommended for removal to Via Chico. (IPM1) As
an alternative parking between the Malaga Plaza entrance and Via Chico could be
restricted during peak hours. Eastbound traffic on the Upper Barrel would be
restricted to right turns only by installing a raised diverter median. (ISM1.2) The
existing westbound right-turn lane approach should be modified to allow through
and right-turn movements. (ISM1.3)
2. Simplify turning movements at Via Del Puente by closing the west side of the street
and converting the east side to two-way traffic. (ISM2) This would better align the
north and south legs of the intersection and could improve eastbound traffic flow
by flaring the striping to allow a needed left turn pocket that currently causes delay
when an eastbound driver wishes to turn north onto Via Del Puente.
3. Add on-street parking to the south side of the existing raised median to offset
parking lost on the east side of the intersection under the first measure. (IPM3)
4. Add curb extension at the southeast corner. (ISM4) This will reduce delays from
pedestrians crossing the intersection by shortening the distance across the
intersection. Improved pedestrian access may also encourage parking at the
Memorial Garden during peak parking demand.
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Interim Measures - Level of Service Analysis
Table 1 lists the level of service (LOS) and average per vehicle delay at the intersection by
movement for both the existing configuration and with the proposed interim improvements.
For the comparison section in the top of the table, both scenarios do not include the use of
manual traffic control. The delay using manual traffic control is shown in the bottom of the
table. Manual control was not analyzed for the interim improvements scenario. The
volumes used are from the Fall of 2019, which were the last available pre-COVID counts
available were included in the corridor feasibility study report.
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Table 1: Level of Service and Average Vehicle Delay Estimates
Left-Through (2)F 198.5 F 83.5
Through-Right (3)C 17 D 27.1
Through F 61.5 F 52.1
Right B 11.4 B 11.7
Left B 14.3 C 18.9 C 15.7 C 20.6
Through F 180.7 F 241.1 D 31.3 E 40.5
Right B 11.8 B 13 F 53.6 F 80.8
Left-Through B 14.4 C 19.7 C 16.1 C 18.7
Right C 21.9 C 20.5 D 27.8 C 24.2
Southbound Left-Through-Right C 16.7 C 20.5 C 18.5 C 22.3
F 121.1 F 99.4 E 44.8 E 46.9
Left-Through B 13.2
Through-Right B 13.8
Left C 26.6
Through A 7.2
Right A 4.4
Left-Through C 26.3
Right C 26.9
Southbound Left-Through-Right D 41.3
B 15.3
Notes:
Traffic assignment for interim improvement condition does not assume vehicle diversion due to 'closed' movements.
(1) - Delay in seconds per vehicle.
(2) - Approximates the conditions on eastbound PVDW at Via Corta.
(3) - Approximates the conditions on the eastbound Inner Barrel at Via Corta.
LOS: A - 0 to 10.00 sec.; B - 10.01 to 15.00; C - 15.01 to 25.00; D - 25.01 to 35.00; E - 35.01 to 50.00; F - >50.00
Signal only
examined during
AM Peak Hour
given police-
assisted
operations
N/A
Westbound
Northbound
Overall
Pa
l
o
s
V
e
r
d
e
s
D
r
i
v
e
W
e
s
t
@
V
i
a
C
o
r
t
a
1
[Four-Way
Stop-
Controlled]
Eastbound
Westbound
Northbound
Overall
[Signal, given
police-
assisted
operations]
Eastbound
Highway Capacity Software
Intersection-
Node
[Traffic Control]
Direction / Movement
Existing Year 2019 Existing Year 2019 (WO Diversion)
Temporary Improvements
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
LOS / Delay (1)
FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL
LOS / Delay (1)LOS / Delay (1)LOS / Delay (1)
As shown, without manual control the intersection has a very poor LOS condition with an
overall average delay of over 121 seconds per vehicle with the highest approach delay on
PVD West of nearly 200 seconds. In the afternoon the delay is nearly 100 seconds. With
manual traffic control in the morning provided by the Palos Verdes Estates Police
Department (PVEPD), that delay is reduced to about 15 seconds per vehicle. No afternoon
analyses of conditions with the manual control were conducted.
The interim improvements, while not reducing delay to the target level of LOS D, would
still substantially reduce the delay in the morning from over 121 seconds per vehicle to just
below 45 seconds (a 63% reduction). The afternoon delay would be reduced from 99
seconds to about 47 seconds (a 53% reduction). While those levels are still well above the
delay incurred using manual traffic control, they would not require the use of personnel in
the street to achieve.
Interim Measures – Queuing Analysis
Table 2 lists the queue lengths for each of the intersection approach movements for existing
conditions without manual traffic control and with the potential intersection improvements.
As highlighted in the table, the eastbound and westbound through movements currently
experience the longest queues with queues extending back to about 25 to 30 cars in each
direction. With the interim improvements, the eastbound and westbound through queue
length would be substantially reduced to about 10 to 11 cars per lane. While the through
queues would be shortened, the queue length for the westbound right-turn lane would be
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6
longer as that movement would no longer be in an exclusive lane. In the proposed
westbound shared-lane configuration, the addition of through vehicles along with the right-
turning vehicles would result in the shared through/right-turn lane having a longer queue
than the exclusive through lane. The queue for the northbound right-turn movement would
get slightly longer as it would take additional time to clear the intersection with side-by-
side through movements occurring.
Table 2: Vehicle Queue Length Estimates
# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)
Left-Through (5)27.5 688 13.3 333
Through-Right (6)2.1 53 4.5 113
Through 10.5 263 8.7 218
Right 0.2 5 0.1 3
Left 485 1 25 2.1 53 1.1 28 2.4 60
Through 485 25.5 638 30.3 758 5.4 135 7.1 178
Right 70 0.6 15 0.8 20 9.5 238 12.9 323
Left-Through 90 0.7 18 1.9 48 0.7 18 1.3 33
Right 20 3.4 85 2.6 65 4.3 108 3.1 78
Southbound Left-Through-Right 265 1 25 1.8 45 1.1 28 1.9 48
Notes:
(1) - Feet value assumes 25' per vehicle, but actual value may be longer depending on if queu is stopped or 'rolling'.
(2) - Available storage value reports approximate available storage length or distance to next intersection.
(3) - Red values represent condition where queue length exceeds available storage.
(4) - Queue lengths in italics indicates queues blocked by adjacent lane.
(5) - Approximates conditions on eastbound PVDW.
(6) - Approximates conditions on the eastbound Inner Barrel.
PV
D
W
@
V
i
a
C
o
r
t
a
[Four-Way
Stop-
Controlled]
Eastbound 285
Westbound
Northbound
HCS 95th Percentile Queue Length
Intersection-Node
[Traffic Control]Direction / Movement Available
Storage (2)
Existing Year 2019 Existing Year 2019 (WO Diversion)
Temporary Improvements
AM Peak PM Peak AM Peak PM Peak
FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL
It is important to note that the analyses were conducted without diverting traffic from one
movement to another. For example, if a westbound driver today cuts through the Malaga
Cove Plaza parking lot and turns left onto PVD West from northbound Via Corta trying to
bypass the queue of cars in the westbound through lane on PVD West, that cut-through
was not diverted from that current path of travel to stay on westbound PVD West. Same
applies to eastbound traffic currently using a diversionary route.
The conclusion is that the potential interim improvements can substantially reduce delay
and traffic queues at the PVD West and Via Corta intersection, but will not bring the
operating conditions to LOS D or better, which is what is typically considered to be the
minimum acceptable LOS. The operating conditions will also be worse than the operating
conditions that would be provided by the use of manual traffic control at the intersection.
However, the improvement would be much better than conditions without manual traffic
control and would not require personnel in the street to direct traffic during any hours of
the day.
Interim Measures – Cost Estimate & Schedule
The design and construction cost for the interim street and parking measures is estimated
by MBI to be approximately $352,000. Additional administrative costs for a design request
for proposals, project oversight and construction administration would be approximately
$50,000. Since these interim measures would not meet minimum 2040 level of service
requirements they would not be eligible for Metro funding. Design could be started within
the next 60-90 days with construction possible later this year.
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Fiscal Impact
Should the City Council determine to tentatively adopt the expedited schedule staff would
identify potential funding sources for the $132,000 in local funds needed to offset the
estimated costs and return to the City Council with a proposed resolution to appropriate
such funds in Fiscal Year 2020/2021.
Should the City Council determine to tentatively adopt the interim measures, staff would
identify potential funding sources for the $402,000 in local funds needed to offset the
estimated costs and return to the City Council with a proposed resolution to appropriate
such funds in Fiscal Year 2020/2021.
Staff reported prepared by:
Timothy R Jonasson, PE
_______________________________
City Engineer
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Agenda Item: __1__
Meeting Date:_09/06/2023
TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: ELAINE JENG, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
UPDATE
DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
ACTION REQUIRED CONSENT RECEIVE & FILE
RECOMMENDATION That the Traffic Safety Committee receive and file an update on
the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Improvement Project.
BACKGROUND
At the February 14, 2023, City Council Meeting, a formal report was provided to the City
Council and the City Council referred to the Traffic Safety Committee the consideration
of PVDW corridor improvements with public outreach.
Options for PVDW corridor improvements include:
1.Implementing smaller, City-funded low-cost improvements at the intersection of
PVDW and Via Corta, such as those presented to City Council at the March 23,
2021 City Council Meeting;
2.Implementing no improvements to the intersection of PVDW and Via Corta or at
the triangle; or
3.Implementing a major improvement project, such as a traffic signal, at the
PVDW/Via Corta intersection and at the triangle.
The above options were discussed at the May 3, 2023, Traffic Safety Committee Meeting,
and the Traffic Safety Committee recommended that Staff request authorization from City
Council to complete the following:
•Review existing feasibility analysis document and suggested alternatives.
•Research/consider possible alternatives that may not be included in the original
analysis on the intersections (i.e., the improvements presented to the City Council
MEMORANDUM
X
D-1
on March 23, 2021, etc.) and update/prepare exhibits to be used for presentations
to the Traffic Safety Committee and City Council.
•Review/update rough order of magnitude cost estimate for the various alternatives
identified within the report.
•Coordinate funding opportunities on behalf of the City with Metro to confirm
compliance of potential projects with available funding requirements.
DISCUSSION
At the July 25, 2023 City Council Meeting, the City Council authorized an amount not to
exceed $40,000 for HR Green, the City’s engineering consultant, to investigate traffic
improvement measures at the triangle and PVDW/Via Corta by completing the following
scope of work:
•Review existing feasibility analysis document and suggested alternatives.
•Research/consider possible alternatives that may not be included in the original
analysis on the intersections (i.e., the improvements presented to the City Council
on March 23, 2021, etc.) and update/prepare exhibits to be used for presentations
to the Traffic Safety Committee and City Council.
•Review/update rough order of magnitude cost estimate for the various alternatives
identified within the report.
•Coordinate funding opportunities on behalf of the City with Metro to confirm
compliance of potential projects with available funding requirements.
Once this scope of work is completed, HR Green’s deliverables will be provided to the
Traffic Safety Committee for consideration. At that time, the Traffic Safety Committee
could develop recommendations to the City Council or continue to work with staff on
congestion relief measures.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with this report.
In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, the City Council appropriated $70,000 of Prop C Funds for
engineering services relating to traffic improvements at PVDW/Via Corta, and the triangle.
To date, $1,695 of Prop C funds has been spent on traffic engineering.
NOTIFICATION
This matter has been agendized and posted in the routine manner.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A – March 23, 2021 Staff Report for the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Improvement
Project
D-2
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Agenda Item #:
Meeting Date:
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
THRU: LAURA GUGLIELMO, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TIM JONASSON, CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST CORRIDOR EXPANSION
PROJECT – PHASING OPTIONS
DATE: MARCH 23, 2021
ACTION REQUIRED CONSENT RECEIVE & FILE
Recommendation:
In order to expedite improvements to the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection
direct staff to:
1. Have Metro revise the draft funding agreement to move forward with Project
Approval/Environmental Documentation and Plans, Specifications & Estimates for
the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection as Phase 1 of the Palos Verdes
Drive West Corridor Expansion Project; or,
2. Adopt interim measures for the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection as
recommend by the Traffic Safety Committee and continue with Metro on the
original project schedule; or,
3. Provide staff with alternate direction
Summary
The Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Expansion project is at a critical juncture as to
whether or not to expedite a portion of the ultimate improvements or remain on the current
schedule and construct interim improvements to relieve traffic congestion at the Via Corta
intersection. The ultimate improvements include roundabout and signal options for both
the Via Corta and Palos Verdes Drive North intersections which are on track for
construction in the third quarter of 2023. The ultimate improvement options are scheduled
for environmental review with public input this summer. However, in order to expedite
improvements to the Via Corta intersection, Metro staff said they are willing to consider
moving the environmental (PA/ED) and design (PS&E) phases of the Via Corta portion of
the project up approximately one year provided the City pay for any costs in excess of the
M E M O R A N D U M
X
133-23-2021
ATTACHMENT A
D-3
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$677,000 that was previously approved for the PA/ED phase only of the entire project.
Staff estimates the City will need an additional $132,000 to expedite this portion of the
project.
In the meantime, interim improvements to alleviate the need for manual traffic control (i.e.,
police or private security directing traffic) have been under consideration by the Traffic
Safety Committee. These improvements would reduce delay at the Via Corta intersection,
but would involve non reimbursable costs of approximately $402,000. Also, staff does not
recommend constructing the interim improvements if the Via Corta intersection ultimate
improvements are expedited since the additional cost and disruption to the intersection
would not be justified for the short period before the ultimate improvements are under
construction.
Background and Analysis
On January 26, 2021 staff provided an update on the status of the Palos Verdes Drive
Corridor interim and ultimate improvements. City Council expressed concern about the
schedule and what measures could be taken to expedite construction currently slated for
summer 2023. Staff approached Metro on the possibility of expediting the ultimate Via
Corta intersection improvements only into the PA/ED and PS&E phases this year in order
to be able to request construction funding in early 2022. This would move the construction
for the ultimate improvements up approximately one year into summer/fall 2022.
Metro staff responded that they would support splitting the project with the following
caveats:
1. The City would complete the PA/ED and PS&E phases for Phase 1 (PVD West/Via
Corta) within the $677,000 previously approved budget; and
2. The City provide Metro with a revised cost and scope for these phases for Phase 1
Staff worked with Michael Baker International (MBI) who prepared the 2019 feasibility
study for the project and developed the scope and budget estimate for completing PA/ED
and PS&E phases for Phase 1. Based on MBI’s estimate of $715,000 and HR Green’s
estimate of $94,000 to administer MBI’s contract and coordinate the selection of design
options through the public process staff estimates there will be a shortfall of approximately
$132,000 in the current Metro budget. This additional budget would have to be provided
by the City in order to expedite the construction phase of the ultimate improvements
approximately one year.
Based on phasing the corridor improvements as described staff anticipates the following
revised project schedule:
Project Phase Estimated Time Period
PA/ED & PS&E – Phase 1 June 2021 to April 2022
Construction Authorization from Metro June 2022
Construction – Phase 1 July 2022 to May 2023
PA/ED & PS&E - Phase 2 June 2022 to April 2023
Construction Authorization from Metro June 2023
Construction – Phase 2 July 2023 to May 2024
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All funding approvals for design (PS&E) and construction for both phases are subject to
approval of Metro and will likely require matching of costs by the City to be determined at
the time of the application to Metro. If City Council approves moving forward a draft
agreement for Phase 1 would be brought to the council as soon as it is approved as to form
by Metro’s attorney which is anticipated to be approximately 45 days.
Traffic Safety Committee Action
On March 3, 2021 the Traffic Safety Committee recommended the City Council consider
four interim measures for the PVD West/Via Corta intersection until the permanent
improvements could be constructed. The four interim street and parking measures are
shown in Figure 1 and described as follows:
1. Widen eastbound PVD West by narrowing the median. (ISM1.1) The additional
lane would accommodate through and right-turn movements. To provide an
accepting lane on the east side of the intersection the existing on-street parking on
the south side of PVD West is recommended for removal to Via Chico. (IPM1) As
an alternative parking between the Malaga Plaza entrance and Via Chico could be
restricted during peak hours. Eastbound traffic on the Upper Barrel would be
restricted to right turns only by installing a raised diverter median. (ISM1.2) The
existing westbound right-turn lane approach should be modified to allow through
and right-turn movements. (ISM1.3)
2. Simplify turning movements at Via Del Puente by closing the west side of the street
and converting the east side to two-way traffic. (ISM2) This would better align the
north and south legs of the intersection and could improve eastbound traffic flow
by flaring the striping to allow a needed left turn pocket that currently causes delay
when an eastbound driver wishes to turn north onto Via Del Puente.
3. Add on-street parking to the south side of the existing raised median to offset
parking lost on the east side of the intersection under the first measure. (IPM3)
4. Add curb extension at the southeast corner. (ISM4) This will reduce delays from
pedestrians crossing the intersection by shortening the distance across the
intersection. Improved pedestrian access may also encourage parking at the
Memorial Garden during peak parking demand.
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Interim Measures - Level of Service Analysis
Table 1 lists the level of service (LOS) and average per vehicle delay at the intersection by
movement for both the existing configuration and with the proposed interim improvements.
For the comparison section in the top of the table, both scenarios do not include the use of
manual traffic control. The delay using manual traffic control is shown in the bottom of the
table. Manual control was not analyzed for the interim improvements scenario. The
volumes used are from the Fall of 2019, which were the last available pre-COVID counts
available were included in the corridor feasibility study report.
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Table 1: Level of Service and Average Vehicle Delay Estimates
Left-Through (2)F 198.5 F 83.5
Through-Right (3)C 17 D 27.1
Through F 61.5 F 52.1
Right B 11.4 B 11.7
Left B 14.3 C 18.9 C 15.7 C 20.6
Through F 180.7 F 241.1 D 31.3 E 40.5
Right B 11.8 B 13 F 53.6 F 80.8
Left-Through B 14.4 C 19.7 C 16.1 C 18.7
Right C 21.9 C 20.5 D 27.8 C 24.2
Southbound Left-Through-Right C 16.7 C 20.5 C 18.5 C 22.3
F 121.1 F 99.4 E 44.8 E 46.9
Left-Through B 13.2
Through-Right B 13.8
Left C 26.6
Through A 7.2
Right A 4.4
Left-Through C 26.3
Right C 26.9
Southbound Left-Through-Right D 41.3
B 15.3
Notes:
Traffic assignment for interim improvement condition does not assume vehicle diversion due to 'closed' movements.
(1) - Delay in seconds per vehicle.
(2) - Approximates the conditions on eastbound PVDW at Via Corta.
(3) - Approximates the conditions on the eastbound Inner Barrel at Via Corta.
LOS: A - 0 to 10.00 sec.; B - 10.01 to 15.00; C - 15.01 to 25.00; D - 25.01 to 35.00; E - 35.01 to 50.00; F - >50.00
Signal only
examined during
AM Peak Hour
given police-
assisted
operations
N/A
Westbound
Northbound
Overall
Pa
l
o
s
V
e
r
d
e
s
D
r
i
v
e
W
e
s
t
@
V
i
a
C
o
r
t
a
1
[Four-Way
Stop-
Controlled]
Eastbound
Westbound
Northbound
Overall
[Signal, given
police-
assisted
operations]
Eastbound
Highway Capacity Software
Intersection-
Node
[Traffic Control]
Direction / Movement
Existing Year 2019 Existing Year 2019 (WO Diversion)
Temporary Improvements
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
LOS / Delay (1)
FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL
LOS / Delay (1)LOS / Delay (1)LOS / Delay (1)
As shown, without manual control the intersection has a very poor LOS condition with an
overall average delay of over 121 seconds per vehicle with the highest approach delay on
PVD West of nearly 200 seconds. In the afternoon the delay is nearly 100 seconds. With
manual traffic control in the morning provided by the Palos Verdes Estates Police
Department (PVEPD), that delay is reduced to about 15 seconds per vehicle. No afternoon
analyses of conditions with the manual control were conducted.
The interim improvements, while not reducing delay to the target level of LOS D, would
still substantially reduce the delay in the morning from over 121 seconds per vehicle to just
below 45 seconds (a 63% reduction). The afternoon delay would be reduced from 99
seconds to about 47 seconds (a 53% reduction). While those levels are still well above the
delay incurred using manual traffic control, they would not require the use of personnel in
the street to achieve.
Interim Measures – Queuing Analysis
Table 2 lists the queue lengths for each of the intersection approach movements for existing
conditions without manual traffic control and with the potential intersection improvements.
As highlighted in the table, the eastbound and westbound through movements currently
experience the longest queues with queues extending back to about 25 to 30 cars in each
direction. With the interim improvements, the eastbound and westbound through queue
length would be substantially reduced to about 10 to 11 cars per lane. While the through
queues would be shortened, the queue length for the westbound right-turn lane would be
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longer as that movement would no longer be in an exclusive lane. In the proposed
westbound shared-lane configuration, the addition of through vehicles along with the right-
turning vehicles would result in the shared through/right-turn lane having a longer queue
than the exclusive through lane. The queue for the northbound right-turn movement would
get slightly longer as it would take additional time to clear the intersection with side-by-
side through movements occurring.
Table 2: Vehicle Queue Length Estimates
# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)
Left-Through (5)27.5 688 13.3 333
Through-Right (6)2.1 53 4.5 113
Through 10.5 263 8.7 218
Right 0.2 5 0.1 3
Left 485 1 25 2.1 53 1.1 28 2.4 60
Through 485 25.5 638 30.3 758 5.4 135 7.1 178
Right 70 0.6 15 0.8 20 9.5 238 12.9 323
Left-Through 90 0.7 18 1.9 48 0.7 18 1.3 33
Right 20 3.4 85 2.6 65 4.3 108 3.1 78
Southbound Left-Through-Right 265 1 25 1.8 45 1.1 28 1.9 48
Notes:
(1) - Feet value assumes 25' per vehicle, but actual value may be longer depending on if queu is stopped or 'rolling'.
(2) - Available storage value reports approximate available storage length or distance to next intersection.
(3) - Red values represent condition where queue length exceeds available storage.
(4) - Queue lengths in italics indicates queues blocked by adjacent lane.
(5) - Approximates conditions on eastbound PVDW.
(6) - Approximates conditions on the eastbound Inner Barrel.
PV
D
W
@
V
i
a
C
o
r
t
a
[Four-Way
Stop-
Controlled]
Eastbound 285
Westbound
Northbound
HCS 95th Percentile Queue Length
Intersection-Node
[Traffic Control]Direction / Movement Available
Storage (2)
Existing Year 2019 Existing Year 2019 (WO Diversion)
Temporary Improvements
AM Peak PM Peak AM Peak PM Peak
FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL
It is important to note that the analyses were conducted without diverting traffic from one
movement to another. For example, if a westbound driver today cuts through the Malaga
Cove Plaza parking lot and turns left onto PVD West from northbound Via Corta trying to
bypass the queue of cars in the westbound through lane on PVD West, that cut-through
was not diverted from that current path of travel to stay on westbound PVD West. Same
applies to eastbound traffic currently using a diversionary route.
The conclusion is that the potential interim improvements can substantially reduce delay
and traffic queues at the PVD West and Via Corta intersection, but will not bring the
operating conditions to LOS D or better, which is what is typically considered to be the
minimum acceptable LOS. The operating conditions will also be worse than the operating
conditions that would be provided by the use of manual traffic control at the intersection.
However, the improvement would be much better than conditions without manual traffic
control and would not require personnel in the street to direct traffic during any hours of
the day.
Interim Measures – Cost Estimate & Schedule
The design and construction cost for the interim street and parking measures is estimated
by MBI to be approximately $352,000. Additional administrative costs for a design request
for proposals, project oversight and construction administration would be approximately
$50,000. Since these interim measures would not meet minimum 2040 level of service
requirements they would not be eligible for Metro funding. Design could be started within
the next 60-90 days with construction possible later this year.
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Fiscal Impact
Should the City Council determine to tentatively adopt the expedited schedule staff would
identify potential funding sources for the $132,000 in local funds needed to offset the
estimated costs and return to the City Council with a proposed resolution to appropriate
such funds in Fiscal Year 2020/2021.
Should the City Council determine to tentatively adopt the interim measures, staff would
identify potential funding sources for the $402,000 in local funds needed to offset the
estimated costs and return to the City Council with a proposed resolution to appropriate
such funds in Fiscal Year 2020/2021.
Staff reported prepared by:
Timothy R Jonasson, PE
_______________________________
City Engineer
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Agenda Item: 1
Meeting Date: 11/09/2023
TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: ANASTASIA SEIMS, P.E., PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BY: STEVE LORISO, P.E., CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST COORIDOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
DATE: NOVEMBER 8, 2023
ACTION REQUIRED CONSENT RECEIVE & FILE
RECOMMENDATION
That the Traffic Safety Committee:
1. Hear a report regarding the options for the corridor;
2. Consider the information provided in the staff report; and
3. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
BACKGROUND
At the September 6, 2023 Traffic Safety Committee meeting, a report was provided
summarizing next steps in the Palos Verdes Drive West (PVDW) Corridor Improvement
project. It was presented that staff would review the existing corridor improvement
recommendations to determine viability of implementing interim improvements for the
corridor, along with reviewing rough order of magnitude cost estimates.
DISCUSSION
Palos Verdes Drive West and Via Corta
On March 3, 2021, the Traffic Safety Committee recommended the consideration of four
improvements for the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor at Via Corta. Although the four
improvements are listed individually, the operating condition analysis and interim
recommendations are based upon implementing all four improvements. Additionally, the
interim improvements are based upon the use of stop signs as it is currently at this
MEMORANDUM
X
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intersection. The four interim street and parking measures are shown in Figure 1 and
described as follows:
1. Widen eastbound PVDW by narrowing the median. (ISM1.1). The additional lane
would accommodate through and right-turn movements. To provide an accepting
lane on the east side of the intersection the existing on-street parking on the
south side of PVDW is recommended for removal to Via Chico. (IPM1) As an
alternative parking between the Malaga Plaza entrance and Via Chico could be
restricted during peak hours. Eastbound traffic on the Upper Barrel would be
restricted to right turns only by installing a raised diverter median. (ISM1.2) The
existing westbound right-turn lane approach should be modified to allow through
and right-turn movements. (ISM1.3)
2. Simplify turning movements at Via Del Puente by closing the west side of the
street and converting the east side to two-way traffic. (ISM2) This would better
align the north and south legs of the intersection and could improve eastbound
traffic flow by flaring the striping to allow a needed left turn pocket that currently
causes delay when an eastbound driver wishes to turn north onto Via Del
Puente.
3. Add on-street parking to the south side of the existing raised median to offset
parking lost on the east side of the intersection under the first measure. (IPM3)
4. Add curb extension at the southeast corner. (ISM4) This will reduce delays from
pedestrians crossing the intersection by shortening the distance across the
intersection. Improved pedestrian access may also encourage parking at the
Memorial Garden during peak parking demand.
Following are some additional issues that need to be considered in determining the
effectiveness of the interim improvements:
Issue: Delay Time
Benefit of Improvements:
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o The improvements would substantially reduce the delay in the morning
from over 121 seconds per vehicle to just below 45 seconds (a 63%
reduction). The afternoon delay would be reduced from 99 seconds to
about 47 seconds (a 53% reduction).
Issue: Vehicle Que Length
Benefit of Improvements:
o The eastbound and westbound through queue length (at Via Corta) would
be substantially reduced from about 25 to 30 cars per lane to about 10 to
11 cars per lane. While the through queues would be shortened, the
queue length for the westbound right-turn lane would be longer as that
movement would no longer be in an exclusive lane.
o Additional Improvement to Consider:
Add a westbound lane by widening the street to the north. This
would require the relocation of the westbound curb and gutter
approximately 10 feet northerly, along with the removal of portions
of existing sidewalk and turf. The ability to fully implement this
widening would depend on a field survey of the existing right-of-way
on the northerly side of the street. This additional improvement
could reduce the queue length for potentially impacted right-turn
movements resulting from the shared through/right-turn lane.
The conclusion is that the improvements can reduce delay and traffic queues at the
PVDW and Via Corta intersection. Although the proposed improvements better the
operating efficiency, the operating conditions are not as good as the operating
conditions that would be experienced by using manual traffic control at the intersection.
However, the improvements would not require manpower in the street to direct traffic
during any hours of the day.
Interim Measures – Cost Estimate
The design and construction cost for the proposed street and parking measures is
estimated to be $880,000. Additional administrative costs for project oversight and
construction administration and inspection would be approximately $125,000, for a total
anticipated cost of $1,005,000.
Palos Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Drive North
Due to the non-standard configuration of the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive West at
Palos Verdes Drive North (the “Triangle”), the type of beneficial improvements is limited.
After review of the feasibility analysis, the Triangle does not have the possibility of
benefitting from alternate improvements, nor are there any recommendations for
improvements different from what was proposed in the feasibility study.
FISCAL IMPACT
In partnership with LA Metro, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments
(“SBCCOG”) administers Measure M subregional programs to fund projects in the
South Bay that reduce traffic delays, vehicle miles travelled, and Green House Gases
(“GHG”) emissions as well as increase safety and mobility for all road users. The
SBCCOG works with member cities to identify projects, prepare funding applications,
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and then makes a funding recommendation to the Metro Board of Directors. Once
approved by the Metro Board, the project lead agency is able to enter into a funding
agreement with Metro. Like many grants, these programs are reimbursement programs
that require the lead agency to cover costs upfront and then seek reimbursement by
Metro through a quarterly process. Grant funds are not received by the lead agency in
advance of a project.
The City of Palos Verdes Estates applied for Measure M funding to alleviate traffic
issues at the intersections PVDW at Via Corta and the “Triangle.”. The SBCCOG and
Metro approved $5,517,000 in funding for the project, including the environmental,
design, and construction phases.
The City qualified and was awarded the agreement based upon the Transportation
System Mobility Improvement Program (“TSMIP”) component of Measure M. The
scope of work within the grant application identified the ultimate improvements (i.e.,
roundabouts and/or traffic signals at the two intersections). Although the proposed
improvements discussed in this staff report are not a full-implementation of the ultimate
improvements, the project assessment criteria of the grant application was not based
solely on the ultimate improvements, nor are they based upon level of service (LOS)
improvements. The proposed improvements to the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive
West and Via Corta appear to be consistent with the intent of the TSMIP program and
the requirements for the TSMIP funding.
If the Traffic Safety Committee and the City Council wish to proceed with the
improvements discussed in this staff report instead of the improvements currently funded
by the existing Measure M grant, the proposed project modifications would need to be
submitted to SBCCOG for approval. If formal approval is provided by the SBCCOG Board
of Directors, the proposed scope modifications would be submitted to Metro and may
require approval by the Metro Board.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A – May 3, 2023, Traffic Safety Committee Staff Report for the Palos Verdes Drive West
Corridor Improvements, which includes the March 23, 20221 City Council Staff Report for
the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Improvements
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Agenda Item __1__:
Meeting Date: 5/3/2023
TO: TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
FROM: ANASTASIA SEIMS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: CONSIDER OPTIONS FOR POSSIBLE PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST
CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS
DATE: MAY 3, 2023
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Consider options for possible Palos Verdes Drive West (PVDW) corridor improvements,
and provide recommendations to be considered by the City Council.
BACKGROUND
Concerns with traffic along the PVDW corridor at the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive
North, also known as the triangle, and at the intersection of Via Corta were considered
by the Traffic Safety Committee starting with a Police Department analysis in November
2017. In response to the discussions, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for a
feasibility study to consider options for the corridor. A Professional Services Agreement
was awarded to Michael Baker International, Inc. (MBI) and the Feasibility Study was
completed and presented to City Council in December 2019.
In December 2019, City Council made the decision to bifurcate the Project into two stand-
alone projects:
•Phase 1 – PVDW at Via Corta
•Phase 2 - Triangle
For Phase 1 of the Project at the intersection of PVDW and Via Corta, the following design
alternatives were reviewed:
1.No Build
2.Installation of a Traffic Signal
3.Construction of a Single Lane Roundabout
4.Construction of a Two-Lane Roundabout
It was determined through review of the Feasibility Study that the single lane roundabout
could not handle the existing traffic flows, so this design alternative was not considered
in future discussions.
MEMORANDUM
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In 2020, the City applied to Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
(Metro) for Measure M grant funding for the Project Approval/Environmental
Documentation (PA/ED) phase of Phase 1 of the Project. Metro approved the funding in
August 2020. In March 2021, City Council approved including the plans, specifications,
and estimate (PS&E) phase of Phase 1 of the Project along with the PA/ED phase. The
Funding Agreement, which provides $677,000 of Measure M funds for the PA/ED and
PS&E phases, was executed in November 2021 with an effective date of July 2021.
On March 3, 2021 the Traffic Safety Committee recommended the City Council consider
four interim measures for the PVDW/Via Corta intersection until the permanent
improvements could be constructed. The following four interim street and parking
measures, which are described and shown in an exhibit in Attachment A and outlined
below, were presented to City Council at the March 23, 2021 City Council Meeting.
1. Widen eastbound PVDW by narrowing the median in order to add a second
eastbound lane. The additional lane would accommodate through and right-turn
movements. To provide an accepting lane on the east side of the PVDW/Via Corta
intersection, the existing on-street parking on the south side of PVDW is
recommended for removal to Via Chico. As an alternative, parking between the
Malaga Plaza entrance and Via Chico could be restricted during peak hours.
Eastbound traffic on the Upper Barrel would be restricted to right turns only by
installing a raised diverter median. The existing westbound right-turn lane
approach should be modified to allow through and right-turn movements.
2. Simplify turning movements at PVDW/Via Del Puente by closing the southbound
traffic lane south of PVDW and converting the existing northbound traffic lane
south of PVDW to two-way traffic. This would better align the north and south legs
of the intersection and could improve eastbound traffic flow by flaring the striping
to allow a needed left turn pocket that currently causes delay when an eastbound
driver wishes to turn north onto Via Del Puente.
3. Add on-street parking to the south side of the existing raised median that is west
of the PVDW/Via Corta Intersection to offset parking lost on the east side of the
intersection under #1.
4. Add a curb extension at the southeast corner. This will reduce delays from
pedestrians crossing the intersection by shortening the distance across the
intersection. Improved pedestrian access may also encourage parking at the
Memorial Garden during peak parking demand.
The interim street and parking measures were not implemented, and instead manual
traffic control continues to be used to reduce traffic impacts at the PVDW/Via Corta
intersection during forecasted periods of congestion. The time of the manual traffic control
is listed below, with adjustments that were made to the manual traffic control hours in
April 2023. Through the use of stealth radar, informal traffic counts were collected at the
intersection and reviewed by the Police Department and Public Works Department.
Based on this review, the following are the modifications implemented to the manual
traffic control:
• Monday through Friday 7:45am to 8:45am (beginning April 20, 2023)
- Changed from Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 8:30am
• Friday 3:00pm to 6:00pm (beginning April 21, 2023)
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- Changed from Friday and Saturday from 2:30pm to 5:30pm
In October 2021, MBI was awarded a Professional Services Agreement to provide PA/ED
and PS&E Services for Phase 1 of the Project. At the March 16, 2022 Joint Meeting of
the City Council and Traffic Safety Committee, the two-lane roundabout was selected as
the preferred design alternative. The 35% design plans for Phase 1 of the Project were
substantially completed in June 2022 with remaining work including any revisions or
additions due to parking mitigation options that were pending public input in late August
2022 and subsequent City Council direction.
A Project Update Meeting was presented at the August 22, 2022 City Council Special
Meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council directed staff to discontinue work
on a roundabout design at the PVDW/Via Corta intersection. The previously scheduled
Parking Mitigation Drop-in Format Open Houses were cancelled. The City Council
requested a formal report be presented at a future City Council meeting with
recommendations related to project implications, improving the intersection’s
performance, Traffic Safety Committee involvement, and community engagement. At the
September 27, 2022 City Council Meeting, a motion was carried to discontinue work on
the roundabout at the PVDW and Via Corta intersection for the Project, and it was
requested a formal report regarding options for the Project would occur at a future City
Council Meeting.
DISCUSSION
At the February 14, 2023 City Council Meeting, a formal report was provided to the City
Council and the City Council referred to the Traffic Safety Committee the consideration
of PVDW corridor improvements with public outreach.
Options for PVDW corridor improvements include:
1. Implementing smaller, City-funded low-cost improvements at the intersection of
PVDW and Via Corta, such as those presented to City Council at the March 23,
2021 City Council Meeting;
2. Implementing no improvements to the intersection of PVDW and Via Corta or at
the triangle; or
3. Implementing a major improvement project, such as a traffic signal, at the
PVDW/Via Corta intersection and at the triangle.
If smaller improvements are proposed to be implemented at the intersection of PVDW
and Via Corta (Option #1 above), it will need to be determined if the interim street
measures presented to City Council at the March 23, 2021 City Council Meeting are still
valid and updated cost estimates will need to be prepared. Additional City funds will need
to be allocated to complete this evaluation.
If a major improvement project, such as a traffic signal (Option #3 above), is proposed to
be implemented, the following will need to be considered:
1. If Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Project will remain separate or be combined into
one Project.
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2.Whether interim street measures, such as those presented to City Council at the
March 23, 2021 City Council Meeting, are desired at the intersection of PVDW and
Via Corta. If so, additional City funds will need to be allocated to evaluate the
optional interim street improvements to determine if they are still valid and to
update the associated cost estimates.
3.Whether a traffic signal is a design alternative that may be considered for the
intersection of PVDW and Via Corta or at the triangle.
4.Whether a two-lane roundabout is a design alternative that may be considered for
the intersection of PVDW and Via Corta or at the triangle.
It is recommended the City conduct a minimum one-month public comment period for any
considered improvements. It may also be considered whether posting a survey on the
City’s website would be helpful. Public comments/feedback would be compiled for
consideration to assist the Committee with developing a Council recommendation.
If a major improvement project, such as a traffic signal is requested (Option #3 above), it
will require the City to complete additional engineering and design services and mirror the
public engagement strategies outlined above for smaller improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) awarded grant
funding in the amount of $677,000 of Measure M for the PA/ED and PS&E phases of the
Project in August 2020. The Funding Agreement for the grant funding was effective July
2021 and executed in November 2021.
At the October 26, 2021 City Council Meeting when the Professional Services Agreement
with MBI was awarded, a budget appropriation of $58,139 of Prop C Funds was made in
addition to the $677,000 of Measure M Funds to cover the $735,139 of MBI’s Agreement.
Additionally, $70,000 of Prop C Funds were appropriated to project management services
from HR Green. To date, $1,695.00 of Prop C funding was expended for services
provided by HR Green, and the City is in the process of requesting Measure M
reimbursement of $293,579.73 for MBI services provided to date.
It is Staff’s understanding from South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG),
which is involved in the approval and coordination of the Measure M funding awarded by
Metro, that if the Project is changed from a roundabout design to a traffic signal design,
the City would not need to reapply for the Measure M funding and could coordinate with
Metro for a revision to the funding agreement, assuming the design still meets the
Measure M funding requirements. If the City does not proceed with the roundabout or
traffic signal design, there is a risk that the unspent balance of Measure M grant funding
would be lost.
RECOMMENDED MOTION
Consider options for possible Palos Verdes Drive West (PVDW) corridor improvements,
and provide recommendations to be considered by the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
A. March 23, 2021 Staff Report for the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor
Improvement Project
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Agenda Item #:
Meeting Date:
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
THRU: LAURA GUGLIELMO, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TIM JONASSON, CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST CORRIDOR EXPANSION
PROJECT – PHASING OPTIONS
DATE: MARCH 23, 2021
ACTION REQUIRED CONSENT RECEIVE & FILE
Recommendation:
In order to expedite improvements to the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection
direct staff to:
1. Have Metro revise the draft funding agreement to move forward with Project
Approval/Environmental Documentation and Plans, Specifications & Estimates for
the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection as Phase 1 of the Palos Verdes
Drive West Corridor Expansion Project; or,
2. Adopt interim measures for the Palos Verdes Drive West/ Via Corta intersection as
recommend by the Traffic Safety Committee and continue with Metro on the
original project schedule; or,
3. Provide staff with alternate direction
Summary
The Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Expansion project is at a critical juncture as to
whether or not to expedite a portion of the ultimate improvements or remain on the current
schedule and construct interim improvements to relieve traffic congestion at the Via Corta
intersection. The ultimate improvements include roundabout and signal options for both
the Via Corta and Palos Verdes Drive North intersections which are on track for
construction in the third quarter of 2023. The ultimate improvement options are scheduled
for environmental review with public input this summer. However, in order to expedite
improvements to the Via Corta intersection, Metro staff said they are willing to consider
moving the environmental (PA/ED) and design (PS&E) phases of the Via Corta portion of
the project up approximately one year provided the City pay for any costs in excess of the
M E M O R A N D U M
X
133-23-2021
ATTACHMENT A
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$677,000 that was previously approved for the PA/ED phase only of the entire project.
Staff estimates the City will need an additional $132,000 to expedite this portion of the
project.
In the meantime, interim improvements to alleviate the need for manual traffic control (i.e.,
police or private security directing traffic) have been under consideration by the Traffic
Safety Committee. These improvements would reduce delay at the Via Corta intersection,
but would involve non reimbursable costs of approximately $402,000. Also, staff does not
recommend constructing the interim improvements if the Via Corta intersection ultimate
improvements are expedited since the additional cost and disruption to the intersection
would not be justified for the short period before the ultimate improvements are under
construction.
Background and Analysis
On January 26, 2021 staff provided an update on the status of the Palos Verdes Drive
Corridor interim and ultimate improvements. City Council expressed concern about the
schedule and what measures could be taken to expedite construction currently slated for
summer 2023. Staff approached Metro on the possibility of expediting the ultimate Via
Corta intersection improvements only into the PA/ED and PS&E phases this year in order
to be able to request construction funding in early 2022. This would move the construction
for the ultimate improvements up approximately one year into summer/fall 2022.
Metro staff responded that they would support splitting the project with the following
caveats:
1. The City would complete the PA/ED and PS&E phases for Phase 1 (PVD West/Via
Corta) within the $677,000 previously approved budget; and
2. The City provide Metro with a revised cost and scope for these phases for Phase 1
Staff worked with Michael Baker International (MBI) who prepared the 2019 feasibility
study for the project and developed the scope and budget estimate for completing PA/ED
and PS&E phases for Phase 1. Based on MBI’s estimate of $715,000 and HR Green’s
estimate of $94,000 to administer MBI’s contract and coordinate the selection of design
options through the public process staff estimates there will be a shortfall of approximately
$132,000 in the current Metro budget. This additional budget would have to be provided
by the City in order to expedite the construction phase of the ultimate improvements
approximately one year.
Based on phasing the corridor improvements as described staff anticipates the following
revised project schedule:
Project Phase Estimated Time Period
PA/ED & PS&E – Phase 1 June 2021 to April 2022
Construction Authorization from Metro June 2022
Construction – Phase 1 July 2022 to May 2023
PA/ED & PS&E - Phase 2 June 2022 to April 2023
Construction Authorization from Metro June 2023
Construction – Phase 2 July 2023 to May 2024
E-10
3
All funding approvals for design (PS&E) and construction for both phases are subject to
approval of Metro and will likely require matching of costs by the City to be determined at
the time of the application to Metro. If City Council approves moving forward a draft
agreement for Phase 1 would be brought to the council as soon as it is approved as to form
by Metro’s attorney which is anticipated to be approximately 45 days.
Traffic Safety Committee Action
On March 3, 2021 the Traffic Safety Committee recommended the City Council consider
four interim measures for the PVD West/Via Corta intersection until the permanent
improvements could be constructed. The four interim street and parking measures are
shown in Figure 1 and described as follows:
1. Widen eastbound PVD West by narrowing the median. (ISM1.1) The additional
lane would accommodate through and right-turn movements. To provide an
accepting lane on the east side of the intersection the existing on-street parking on
the south side of PVD West is recommended for removal to Via Chico. (IPM1) As
an alternative parking between the Malaga Plaza entrance and Via Chico could be
restricted during peak hours. Eastbound traffic on the Upper Barrel would be
restricted to right turns only by installing a raised diverter median. (ISM1.2) The
existing westbound right-turn lane approach should be modified to allow through
and right-turn movements. (ISM1.3)
2. Simplify turning movements at Via Del Puente by closing the west side of the street
and converting the east side to two-way traffic. (ISM2) This would better align the
north and south legs of the intersection and could improve eastbound traffic flow
by flaring the striping to allow a needed left turn pocket that currently causes delay
when an eastbound driver wishes to turn north onto Via Del Puente.
3. Add on-street parking to the south side of the existing raised median to offset
parking lost on the east side of the intersection under the first measure. (IPM3)
4. Add curb extension at the southeast corner. (ISM4) This will reduce delays from
pedestrians crossing the intersection by shortening the distance across the
intersection. Improved pedestrian access may also encourage parking at the
Memorial Garden during peak parking demand.
E-11
4
Interim Measures - Level of Service Analysis
Table 1 lists the level of service (LOS) and average per vehicle delay at the intersection by
movement for both the existing configuration and with the proposed interim improvements.
For the comparison section in the top of the table, both scenarios do not include the use of
manual traffic control. The delay using manual traffic control is shown in the bottom of the
table. Manual control was not analyzed for the interim improvements scenario. The
volumes used are from the Fall of 2019, which were the last available pre-COVID counts
available were included in the corridor feasibility study report.
E-12
5
Table 1: Level of Service and Average Vehicle Delay Estimates
Left-Through (2)F 198.5 F 83.5
Through-Right (3)C 17 D 27.1
Through F 61.5 F 52.1
Right B 11.4 B 11.7
Left B 14.3 C 18.9 C 15.7 C 20.6
Through F 180.7 F 241.1 D 31.3 E 40.5
Right B 11.8 B 13 F 53.6 F 80.8
Left-Through B 14.4 C 19.7 C 16.1 C 18.7
Right C 21.9 C 20.5 D 27.8 C 24.2
Southbound Left-Through-Right C 16.7 C 20.5 C 18.5 C 22.3
F 121.1 F 99.4 E 44.8 E 46.9
Left-Through B 13.2
Through-Right B 13.8
Left C 26.6
Through A 7.2
Right A 4.4
Left-Through C 26.3
Right C 26.9
Southbound Left-Through-Right D 41.3
B 15.3
Notes:
Traffic assignment for interim improvement condition does not assume vehicle diversion due to 'closed' movements.
(1) - Delay in seconds per vehicle.
(2) - Approximates the conditions on eastbound PVDW at Via Corta.
(3) - Approximates the conditions on the eastbound Inner Barrel at Via Corta.
LOS: A - 0 to 10.00 sec.; B - 10.01 to 15.00; C - 15.01 to 25.00; D - 25.01 to 35.00; E - 35.01 to 50.00; F - >50.00
Signal only
examined during
AM Peak Hour
given police-
assisted
operations
N/A
Westbound
Northbound
Overall
Pa
l
o
s
V
e
r
d
e
s
D
r
i
v
e
W
e
s
t
@
V
i
a
C
o
r
t
a
1
[Four-Way
Stop-
Controlled]
Eastbound
Westbound
Northbound
Overall
[Signal, given
police-
assisted
operations]
Eastbound
Highway Capacity Software
Intersection-
Node
[Traffic Control]
Direction / Movement
Existing Year 2019 Existing Year 2019 (WO Diversion)
Temporary Improvements
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
LOS / Delay (1)
FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL
LOS / Delay (1)LOS / Delay (1)LOS / Delay (1)
As shown, without manual control the intersection has a very poor LOS condition with an
overall average delay of over 121 seconds per vehicle with the highest approach delay on
PVD West of nearly 200 seconds. In the afternoon the delay is nearly 100 seconds. With
manual traffic control in the morning provided by the Palos Verdes Estates Police
Department (PVEPD), that delay is reduced to about 15 seconds per vehicle. No afternoon
analyses of conditions with the manual control were conducted.
The interim improvements, while not reducing delay to the target level of LOS D, would
still substantially reduce the delay in the morning from over 121 seconds per vehicle to just
below 45 seconds (a 63% reduction). The afternoon delay would be reduced from 99
seconds to about 47 seconds (a 53% reduction). While those levels are still well above the
delay incurred using manual traffic control, they would not require the use of personnel in
the street to achieve.
Interim Measures – Queuing Analysis
Table 2 lists the queue lengths for each of the intersection approach movements for existing
conditions without manual traffic control and with the potential intersection improvements.
As highlighted in the table, the eastbound and westbound through movements currently
experience the longest queues with queues extending back to about 25 to 30 cars in each
direction. With the interim improvements, the eastbound and westbound through queue
length would be substantially reduced to about 10 to 11 cars per lane. While the through
queues would be shortened, the queue length for the westbound right-turn lane would be
E-13
6
longer as that movement would no longer be in an exclusive lane. In the proposed
westbound shared-lane configuration, the addition of through vehicles along with the right-
turning vehicles would result in the shared through/right-turn lane having a longer queue
than the exclusive through lane. The queue for the northbound right-turn movement would
get slightly longer as it would take additional time to clear the intersection with side-by-
side through movements occurring.
Table 2: Vehicle Queue Length Estimates
# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)# vehicles Feet (1)
Left-Through (5)27.5 688 13.3 333
Through-Right (6)2.1 53 4.5 113
Through 10.5 263 8.7 218
Right 0.2 5 0.1 3
Left 485 1 25 2.1 53 1.1 28 2.4 60
Through 485 25.5 638 30.3 758 5.4 135 7.1 178
Right 70 0.6 15 0.8 20 9.5 238 12.9 323
Left-Through 90 0.7 18 1.9 48 0.7 18 1.3 33
Right 20 3.4 85 2.6 65 4.3 108 3.1 78
Southbound Left-Through-Right 265 1 25 1.8 45 1.1 28 1.9 48
Notes:
(1) - Feet value assumes 25' per vehicle, but actual value may be longer depending on if queu is stopped or 'rolling'.
(2) - Available storage value reports approximate available storage length or distance to next intersection.
(3) - Red values represent condition where queue length exceeds available storage.
(4) - Queue lengths in italics indicates queues blocked by adjacent lane.
(5) - Approximates conditions on eastbound PVDW.
(6) - Approximates conditions on the eastbound Inner Barrel.
PV
D
W
@
V
i
a
C
o
r
t
a
[Four-Way
Stop-
Controlled]
Eastbound 285
Westbound
Northbound
HCS 95th Percentile Queue Length
Intersection-Node
[Traffic Control]Direction / Movement Available
Storage (2)
Existing Year 2019 Existing Year 2019 (WO Diversion)
Temporary Improvements
AM Peak PM Peak AM Peak PM Peak
FEASIBILITY STUDY PROPOSAL
It is important to note that the analyses were conducted without diverting traffic from one
movement to another. For example, if a westbound driver today cuts through the Malaga
Cove Plaza parking lot and turns left onto PVD West from northbound Via Corta trying to
bypass the queue of cars in the westbound through lane on PVD West, that cut-through
was not diverted from that current path of travel to stay on westbound PVD West. Same
applies to eastbound traffic currently using a diversionary route.
The conclusion is that the potential interim improvements can substantially reduce delay
and traffic queues at the PVD West and Via Corta intersection, but will not bring the
operating conditions to LOS D or better, which is what is typically considered to be the
minimum acceptable LOS. The operating conditions will also be worse than the operating
conditions that would be provided by the use of manual traffic control at the intersection.
However, the improvement would be much better than conditions without manual traffic
control and would not require personnel in the street to direct traffic during any hours of
the day.
Interim Measures – Cost Estimate & Schedule
The design and construction cost for the interim street and parking measures is estimated
by MBI to be approximately $352,000. Additional administrative costs for a design request
for proposals, project oversight and construction administration would be approximately
$50,000. Since these interim measures would not meet minimum 2040 level of service
requirements they would not be eligible for Metro funding. Design could be started within
the next 60-90 days with construction possible later this year.
E-14
7
Fiscal Impact
Should the City Council determine to tentatively adopt the expedited schedule staff would
identify potential funding sources for the $132,000 in local funds needed to offset the
estimated costs and return to the City Council with a proposed resolution to appropriate
such funds in Fiscal Year 2020/2021.
Should the City Council determine to tentatively adopt the interim measures, staff would
identify potential funding sources for the $402,000 in local funds needed to offset the
estimated costs and return to the City Council with a proposed resolution to appropriate
such funds in Fiscal Year 2020/2021.
Staff reported prepared by:
Timothy R Jonasson, PE
_______________________________
City Engineer
E-15
City Council Staff Report – December 12, 2023 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
1
STAFF REPORT
DATE: DECEMBER 12, 2023
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DAVID WAHBA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(PSA) FOR TRANSTECH ENGINEERS, INC. TO PROVIDE BIDDING
SUPPORT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE
GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT.
LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PALOS VERDES DRIVE
NORTH & PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST (27305 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE EAST).
OVERVIEW
The following is a request for the City Council to approve a Professional Services
Agreement (PSA) with Transtech Engineers Inc. to provide bidding support and
construction management services for the construction of the new George F Canyon
Nature Center Replacement Project.
BACKGROUND
On August 23, 2022, the City Council approved a Precise Plan of Design (PPD)
application (City Council Resolution No. 2523) for the George F Canyon Nature Center
replacement Project, and an Initial Study (IS) with a proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND or ISMND) (City Council Resolution No. 2522), finding that the Project
will not have a significant impact on the environment with the adoption of mitigation
measures, all as set forth under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Over the last year and a half, staff has been working closely with the Project architect,
landscape architect, civil engineer, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC)
and Willdan Engineering, to complete all the construction drawings for the project and
move it through Willdan for plan check. As of this writing, the plans are complete, through
plan check and almost ready for permit issuance. The Project plans that were approved
by the City Council in August 2022 are the same, with only very minor changes to support
the buildings’ structural requirements and Fire Department’s requirements for the
buildings and the site’s landscaping.
The Project, as previously approved by City Council, proposes the demolition of the
existing 450 sq.ft. nature center building and 1,000 sq.ft. outdoor deck; and, the new
CC AGENDA
DECEMBER 12, 2023
ITEM NO. 9C
F-1
City Council Staff Report – December 12, 2023 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
2
construction of a 1,750 sq.ft. single-story building that would combine both the use of a
nature center and community room. Also, a 1,000 sq.ft. outdoor deck, plus a 120 sq.ft.
storage shed, are proposed for outdoor classroom activities. Further, a 420 sq.ft. viewing
deck, located off the back of the building, is proposed for a grand total of 3,290 sq.ft. of
facility space.
Parking for the facility would be provided by a new parking lot configuration of 22 spaces
and the addition of approximately 14 parallel parking spaces on PVDE, in addition to the
40 +/- spaces in the gravel parking lot for the canyon’s trailhead located to the south.
DISCUSSION
Project Costs
As presented at the City Council Policy Development Session on March 14, 2023, the
total cost of the Nature Center Project is estimated at $3.99 million. Pre-construction
costs (architect and engineering) budgeted or expended to date are at $387,000. Based
upon estimated projected costs, the Nature Center construction and contractor costs,
which include general conditions and requirements, contractor fee, bonds, and insurance,
are estimated at $2.39 million. Contractor costs include a contingency with escalation
expectations and a bid market factor is estimated at $417,000. Furnishings, equipment,
and interpretive design is expected to be approximately $500,000, with the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) contributing a large portion toward the education
element. Consultant services for preparing bid documents, project and construction
management, payroll certification and inspection services, along with continued architect
firm costs, has been estimated at $300,000 over the two years of completion.
Estimated Costs Amount
Pre-Construction costs (professional services) $387,000
Construction/Contractor Cost $2,392,000
Contingency/Escalation/Bid Market Factor $417,000
Furnishings/Education $500,000
Construction professional services $300,000
Total Project Cost $3,996,000
Once the project is placed out for bid (early 2024), staff will have a better idea of what the
Project’s actual construction costs will be. It is anticipated that the City Council will review
and award the construction contract bid in April of 2024.
Project Funding
In order to fund this George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project, the table
below shows an up-to-date list of available funding sources. With a grand total estimated
Project cost of approximately $3.99 million, including consulting fees, construction
management, Building & Safety plan check/permits and inspection fees (soft costs), the
Project still requires approximately $900,000 to be completely funded. This additional
F-2
City Council Staff Report – December 12, 2023 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
3
funding is expected from fundraising efforts that will begin in 2024, and from available
Park Facility Fees, which has a fund balance of just over $1,000,000, with more funds
expected in 2024, with the completion of the 927 Deep Valley Drive Mixed-Use Project,
which will generate an additional $1,184,775 in Park Facility Fees.
Project Grants/Funding Sources Amount
City Park Facility Fees budgeted or expended to date $387,000
CA State Dept Parks & Rec (Senator Ben Allen) $1,200,000
LA County-Supervisor Hahn commitment $500,000
Prop 68 - Per Capita Program $177,952
Prop 68 - Urban Area $5,040
Outdoor Enviro Ed Grant $40,000
Measure A $267,863
Rolling Hills Partnership (Prop 68) $177,952
Rolling Hills Partnership (Prop 68-urban area) $1,156
Estimate PVPLC contribution $350,000
Total Funds Allocated/Granted $3,106,963
Professional Services Agreement (PSA) for Project Bidding and Construction
Management Services
In order to assist staff with Project bidding and construction management services, staff
solicited an informal Request for Proposals (RFP) from HR Green Pacific and Transtech
Engineers, both of which are highly qualified and competitive consultants to provide these
services. Attached, please find the proposals from each consultant.
The Project’s Construction Management (CM) services are as follows:
1.Assist staff in preparing a bid package, using the City’s standard bid package for
Public Works projects as approved by the City Attorney;
2.Assist staff in advertising the bid package, including various platforms where bids
are publicly posted/advertised;
3.Conduct a pre-bid meeting to answer questions and prepare addendums as
necessary;
4.Review all bids received and provide a comprehensive bid analysis and
recommendation of the lowest most responsive bidder to the City Council;
F-3
City Council Staff Report – December 12, 2023 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
4
5.Assist in the preparation of the Public Works contract for City Council approval, as
approved by the City Attorney;
6.Assist in the contract/project set-up with the contractor who is awarded the bid;
7.Provide Construction Management (CM) services for the duration of project
construction, estimated to take approximately 18 months to complete. CM
services contemplate weekly meetings at an average of 15 hours per week, for
contractor coordination of prevailing wage reporting under the Department of
Industrial Relations (DIR); responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) and
coordinating change orders; meeting coordination between city staff, the architect,
landscape architect, civil engineer; and, CEQA requirements per the adopted
Mitigation Monitoring Program. CM services also include coordination of utility
work and Building & Safety inspection services conducted by Willdan Engineering;
and,
8.Provide Project close-out tasks once Project is completed.
After speaking with both consulting teams as part of the informal RFP process and
breaking down the hours and costs of each task as summarized above, staff received two
proposals (attached). HR Green’s proposal is $271,770 and Transtech Engineers is
$249,700. The table below shows a comparison between the hours and costs for each
task.
TASK HR GREEN TRANSTECH
HOURS Per
Phase
COSTS Per
Phase
HOURS Per
Phase
COSTS Per
Phase
1.Pre-Bidding Phase 80 $18,000 85 $15,400
2. Bidding and Contract
Award Phase
40 $5,960 35 $6,400
3.Pre-Construction
Phase
128 $19,200 70 $12,500
4. Construction Phase 1,248 $197,340 1,150 $209,000
5. Close-out Phase 168 $26,200 35 $6,400
6.Auto Direct Costs N/A $5,070 N/A $0
TOTALS: 1,664 Hours $271,770 1,375 Hours $249,700
From the table above and reviewing the total costs per hour, Transtech has a higher rate
per billing hour at $550 for a Project Manager, Construction Manager and Office Engineer
(all combined) when compared to HR Green’s combined rate, which is $530 per billing
hour. The key difference in price between the two consultants is the number of hours in
the Pre-Construction Phase and the Close-Out Phase, where HR Green has estimated a
higher number of hours. Lastly, HR Green includes auto costs, whereas Transtech
includes theirs in their hourly rates.
F-4
City Council Staff Report – December 12, 2023 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
5
Staff is of the opinion that both consultants are well qualified to carry out the above-listed
tasks for Project Bidding and Construction Management services; however, given that
Transtech is $22,070 less than HR Green, staff is recommending that the City Council
award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Transtech Engineers.
Next Steps
Once the City Council awards a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) for Project
bidding and construction management services (staff is recommending Transtech
Engineers as summarized above), then staff will prepare the bid documents and plan to
place the Project out to bid by late January or early February 2024. Bids for the
construction of the Project will then be presented to the City Council in April 2024. If a
contract is awarded for the Project’s construction at that time by the City Council, then
construction would commence soon thereafter. In the meantime, fundraising efforts will
continue and staff will coordinate the closing of the existing Nature Center facility with the
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) to coincide with the end of the 2023-
24 school year.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1.Award a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Transtech Engineers, Inc., for
Project Bidding and Construction Management Services, for the George F Canyon
Nature Center Project (all to the satisfaction of the City Attorney) in the amount of
$249,700.00; and
2.Direct staff to solicit construction bids for the George F Canyon Nature Center
Project.
Attachments
Proposals for Construction Management Services from:
1.HR Green Pacific
2.Transtech Engineers
3.Draft PSA for Transtech Engineers, Inc.
F-5
1260 Corona Pointe Court | Suite 305
Corona, CA 92879
Main 855.900.4742 + Fax 713.965.0044
HRGREEN.COM
November 8, 2023
David Wahba
City of Rolling Hills Estates
Director of Public Works
4045 Palos Verdes Drive North
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 email to: davidw@rollinghillsestates.gov
Re: Proposal for Construction Management Services for New Nature Center
Dear David,
Per your request via email on October 12, 2023 and a subsequent phone call on October 17, 2023 HR Green
Pacific, Inc. (HR Green) is pleased to provide this proposal for construction management services related to the
City’s new nature center. The City has prioritized the construction of this new nature center for several years and
now has the necessary funding in place for its construction.
HR Green has the expertise to deliver to the City of Rolling Hills Estates the successful construction of the nature
center for the following reasons:
Proven Technical Capabilities and Qualifications – HR Green is an industry leader with a proven track record
of successfully completing municipal projects on time, within budget, and in accordance with City and other
regulatory requirements.
Key Personnel – HR Green’s proposed Construction Manager, Robert Luciano, PE, has nearly 40 years of
construction management experience specializing in all types of municipal projects. As a public works inspector
and Construction Services Manager for the City of Anaheim, Robert worked on the construction of facilities such
as the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), the Convention Ce nter Expansion, the
Grand Plaza, and many more. Robert’s complete resume is attached at the end of this proposal. Our Team will
take a vested interest in this crucial project in the City. It is our goal to provide the City of Rolling Hills Estates with
a highly technical construction engineering team who is familiar with local contractors, facility construction, and
site improvements along with organizational skills to successfully oversee this project.
Oversight and Compliance – All HR Green construction staff are fully trained in environmental and labor
compliance. They will efficiently and accurately complete the necessary documentation and provide the proper
oversight to this project to protect the City’s financial investment.
PROPOSED SCOPE OF SERVICES
BID / AWARD SUPPORT :
▪Help City assemble bid package and post for public bidding
▪Respond to bidder’s questions and prepare necessary addenda
▪Attend bid opening
▪Review submitted bids and prepare bid analysis
▪Perform reference checks for apparent low bidder
▪Provide award recommendation
ATTACHMENT 1
F-6
David Wahba
Page 2 of 2
November 8, 2023
PROJECT START UP AND REVIEW :
▪ Review plans, details, and special provisions for this project
▪ Set up files
▪ Conduct pre-construction meeting
▪ Review the proposed contractor schedule
▪ Update the City emergency communication plan
▪ Shop drawing and submittal reviews
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT :
▪ Conduct weekly on-site construction progress meetings
▪ Respond to RFIs
▪ Review the contractor’s weekly look ahead schedule
▪ Communicate with City staff to discuss assignments and contractor progress
▪ Provide labor compliance interviews and reporting
▪ Preparation of pay estimates and change orders
▪ Maintain project records and reports, including the weekly statement of working days
▪ Address resident concerns and questions
▪ Monitor as-built plans
ASSUMPTIONS / EXCLUSIONS :
▪ 18-month construction schedule
▪ Daily construction observation is not included
▪ Technical specifications prepared by others
▪ Bid / award support includes 40 hours of staff time
▪ Project start up and review included up to 128 hours of staff time
▪ Construction Management includes up to 15 hours of staff time per week
PROPOSED FEE
HR Green proposes to provide these services on a time and materials basis in accordance with our standard
schedule of rates, not to exceed $271,770 per the breakdown attached.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 719.394.2431 or via email at ckeys@hrgreen.com.
Sincerely,
HR GREEN PACIFIC, INC.
Chase Keys, PE
Engineering Group Leader
F-7
Robert Luciano, PE, QSD/QSP
Construction Engineer
Prior to joining HR Green, Robert had a 37-year career with the City of Anaheim involving
all facets of construction management and inspection of capital and land development
projects. He directed, managed, supervised and coordinated the activities and operations
of the Construction Services Division (Inspection, Survey, and Contract/Project
Management) within the Department of Public Works.
Robert has served as a Public Works Inspector during much of the Anaheim Resort,
Platinum Triangle transformation, Anaheim Garden Walk development and Disney’s
California Adventureland expansion. As the Construction Services Manager, he led
the design and construction team for the successful completion of Anaheim Grand
Plaza and was an instrumental construction team member for both Anaheim Regional
Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) and the Anaheim Convention Center expansion.
He also worked on the 200,000 SF Convention Center expansion, building renovations,
neighborhood rehabilitation, street improvements, pavement rehabilitation, signal
coordination / upgrades, and sewer improvements.
As Anaheim’s Construction Services Manager for 12 years he directed, managed,
supervised and coordinated the activities and operations of the Construction Services
Division (Inspection, Survey, and Contract/Project Management) within the Department
of Public Works. Robert coordinated assigned activities with other divisions, departments
and outside agencies, providing highly responsible and complex administrative support
to the Director of Public Works. Department Branch representative, Damage Assessment
Coordinator at City’s Emergency Operation Center. He has served as Resident Engineer
for federal funded improvement program; provided technical engineering decisions and
enforced technical criteria and standards.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Z Anaheim Convention Center Grand Plaza, City of Anaheim
Construction Manager/Resident Engineer for the $15 million transformation of
Convention Way from a busy vehicular roadway shared with high pedestrian usage into
a 100,000 square foot pedestrian-friendly outdoor area for year-round events.
Z Fire Station #5 Design and Construction, City of Anaheim
Construction Manager responsible for the coordination of all phases including design,
bid process, and construction for the $5 million 10,000SF new fire station. Robert
worked with the City and the Fire Department to manage objectives and balance against
budget and deadlines. He developed the construction schedule and solicited bids from
third-party contractors. During construction he oversaw daily work, conducted progress
meetings, enforced quality standards, reviewed safety, and maintained project costs
and schedule.
Z City Hall Seismic Upgrade Retrofit, City of Anaheim
Oversaw the $815,000 voluntary construction seismic upgrades to the City of Anaheim
City Hall Tower, which included new grade beams and reinforced concrete shear
wall, new steel haunches and steel moment frame beam connections, replacement
and relocation of architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection
elements. Robert coordinated with various departments and contractors from design
through construction, and oversaw daily work, conducted progress meetings, enforced
quality standards, reviewed safety, and maintained project costs and schedule.
EXPERIENCE
40+ Years
EDUCATION
BS, Survey Engineering,
Ferris State University
REGISTRATION /
LICENSE
Registered Civil Engineer,
CA #70748
Qualified SWPPP
Developer/Practitioner
(QSD/QSP)
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
& CERTIFICATIONS
Public Works-Utilities
Inspection Certificate
Cal OES Damage
Assessment Certification
#63542
F-8
Task Descriptions Senior Project
Manager
Construction
Manager Office Engineer
Chase Keys Robert Luciano Jorge Perez
Rate/Hour $225.00 $175.00 $130.00
A. Project Management and General Coordination 80 80 $18,000.00
B. Bid and Award Support 8 32 40 $5,960.00
C. Project Start-up and Review 8 40 80 128 $19,200.00
D. Construction Management 780 468 1248 $197,340.00
F. Project Close-out 8 80 80 168 $26,200.00
Total Hours 104 900 660 1664
Labor Fee $23,400.00 $157,500.00 $85,800.00 $266,700.00
Vehicle ($65/day) Direct Costs $5,070.00 $5,070.00
TOTAL FEE $271,770.00
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES MAN-HOUR AND FEE
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES
NATURE CENTER PROJECT
TOTALS
F-9
About Transtech Video
Highlight: CLICK HERE
www.transtech.org
November 13, 2023
City of ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
4045 Palos Verdes Dr N; Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Attn.: David Wahba, Director of Public Works (E: DavidW@rollinghillsestates.gov)
PROPOSAL, Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
Transtech is pleased submit this proposal for the subject project.
Established in 1989, Transtech (a California Corporation) is a multi-disciplinary engineering consulting firm. Transtech has been in business
for 34 years and is providing municipal services to approximately 75 public agencies.
Multi-disciplinary Service Capabilities:
•Building & Safety Services, Building Inspection, Plan Check, Building
Evaluations, City Building Official, Code Enforcement
•Civil Engineering,
•Staff Augmentation
•CIP Program Management
•Construction Management and Inspection
•Federally Funded Project Management and Grant Writing
•CDBG Project Management
•City Engineer, City Traffic Engineer, Development Review,
Public Works Engineering, Plan Check, Inspection
•Labor Compliance
•Planning Support
•Traffic and Transportation Planning and Engineering
•Water Resources Engineering
•Surveying, Mapping, ALTA, ROW Eng
Transtech has experience in various types of projects, such as:
•Street Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
•Traffic Signal and Street Lighting
•ADA Improvements
•Water, Drainage, Sewer Improvements
•Bridges Parks and Playgrounds
•Parking Structures
•Community Centers
•Libraries
•City Halls
•Fire Stations
•Renovation of Historic Buildings
•Residential, Office, Commercial, Industrial Buildings
Large Pool of Experienced Staff and Resources: Transtech has a large pool of well experienced staff and resources (approximately 200)
readily available to provide requested services, and respond to requests in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
Extensive Experience in Municipal Engineering and Working with Public Agencies: One of the unique qualifications of Transtech is that
we serve public agencies as municipal contract service providers, including Contract City Engineer, City Traffic Engineer, Building Official,
CIP Manager, Planner and in other capacities. We have extensive experience in working with public agencies and have a good
understanding of public agency procedures and policies, preparing staff reports and presentations to City Council, Boards and public,
and in communicating effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders at public forums. We have managed large and complex
projects, which involved multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Several of our staff members are former City Engineers, Public Works
Directors.
Experience with METRO: We work with METRO on a number of projects. Currently, we are managing 710 Mobility Improvement Projects
for the Cities of Alhambra and Rosemead, which has total funding of over $200m.
Experience with Caltrans: Our team includes experienced staff members who have worked for CALTRANS and are intimately familiar
with the standards and procedures, project development and approval process, and requirements. One of our Sr. Staff Member is
former Deputy Director of Caltrans District 7.
Experience with LA County: We work and coordinate with LA County on a number of projects.
Experience in Federally Funded Projects: We have extensive experience in the management and administration of grant funded projects.
Our staff members have completed Caltrans RE Academy for Federally and State Funded Projects.
Successful Record of Obtaining Grant Funds: Our team has proven track record in obtaining outside grants for its client cities. Our staff
works with our client cities to find potential funding sources, and to prepare competitive applications for various programs. We have
obtained extensive amount of funds for our client cities.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this proposal. Should you have any questions, or require additional
information, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Ahmad Ansari, PE, Principal
C: 949-702-5612; E: Ahmad.ansari@transtech.org
ATTACHMENT 2
F-10
Table of Contents
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
Section Page
1. PROJECT INFORMATION (provided by the City)1
2. SCOPE OF SERVICES 2
3. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSED PERSONNEL 4
4. FEE 7
Attachment – Transtech SOQ
F-11
PROPOSAL 1
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
1. PROJECT INFORMATION (provided by the City)
The City is looking for project management services for the following:
1.Obtain City building permit issued plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) from the City;
2.Obtain City’s bid package front end boiler plate;
3.Prepare complete bid package ready to advertise;
4.Coordinate bid advertisement as the City’s project manager;
5.Attend pre bid meeting, prepare meeting agenda, sign in sheet. Obtain bidders’ questions, and prepare
addendum(a), as necessary to respond to questions;
6.Receive opened bids. Perform bid analysis including preparation of bid tabulation, review of apparent
low bid, CA license check, DIR registration verification of prime and all subcontractors, state/federal
debarment list verification.
7.Prepare staff report to award public works construction contract.
8.Coordinate/attend preconstruction meeting with the City, Contractor and designer. Prepare meeting
agenda, sign in sheet.
9.Provide as-needed project management (City is looking for an approximate 15 hours/week for 18 months
assumed project duration) throughout construction. General PM responsibilities include coordinating
weekly construction meetings, preparing meeting agendas, sign in sheets, coordination of submittal
reviews and RFI reviews with the designer, coordination with contractor, designer and the City, emails,
correspondence, attending meetings.
10.Construction inspection is provided by others.
11.There are no restrictive/federal funds on the project.
F-12
PROPOSAL 2
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
2. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Pre-Bidding Phase:
City will provide plans, technical specifications, itemized bid schedule, cost estimates, soils reports, haz-
mat reports, surveys, standard front-end/admin specifications and all other documents. Transtech will
assist the City in compiling these documents into a bid package for bid advertisement. Transtech will
assist the City in coordinating with consultants involved in the project.
The plans will be checked and approved by City’s Building and Safety and Engineering Department.
Bidding and Contract Award Phase:
The bid package will include a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting on-site. Consultants who prepared the
project plans, as well as City’s Building and Safety and Engineering staff will attend the pre-bid meeting
to answer questions during the meeting.
Transtech will assist on the preparation of Addenda to respond questions by the bidders. Responses to
questions related to plans and documents, will be provided to Transtech by the consultants who prepared
the plans and documents.
After bids are received, Transtech will conduct a bid analysis to establish lowest responsive bidder. The
bid item and schedule of values costs will be reviewed and compared to its project cost estimates by
design consultant, who will advise the City if the costs are reasonably allocated to various work items
based on its cost estimates.
Transtech will assist the City in contract award process.
Pre-Construction Phase:
Transtech will coordinate pre-construction meetings, inviting general contractor and project stakeholders.
Transtech will assist in pre-construction activities, including contact approval coordination, submittal
reviews coordination, schedule submittal and review, and other activities in preparation of construction.
RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, technical design questions, etc, will be reviewed and approved by
consultants who prepared the plans and documents.
F-13
PROPOSAL 3
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
Construction Phase:
Transtech will:
1. Administer and manage construction contract.
2. Monitor construction schedule and costs.
3. Coordinate contractor’s submittals for project design consultant’s review and approval. RFIs,
submittals, shop drawings, technical design questions, etc, will be reviewed and approved by
consultants who prepared the plans and documents..
4. Coordinate review of proposed change orders. The change orders and costs will be reviewed by
the design consultant.
5. Coordinate with project design consultant in response to contractor’s requests for interpretation
or clarification of meaning and intent of project plans and specifications.
6. Assist in the review of Contractor’s invoices and recommend payment for the agreed invoice
amount to City’s Project Manager for the processing of payment. The invoices will also be
reviewed by the design consultant.
All inspections, plan checks, approvals will be performed by City’s Engineering and Building and
Safety Departments, and/or other City Consultants as necessary.
Post-Construction and Project Close-Out Phase:
Transtech will:
1. Coordinate punch list walk thru and acceptance with City’s Engineering and Building and Safety
Departments.
2. Prepare City Council staff report for the acceptance of the project when the punch list items are
completed.
3. Assist in the release of retention after the Project is accepted and Notice of Completion is filed.
F-14
PROPOSAL 4
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
3. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSED PERSONNEL
Following are resumes of our proposed project management and support staff:
AHMAD ANSARI, PE, Contract Principal
Education
•BS in Engineering, MBA
Registrations/Certifications
•Registered Civil Engineer
Highlights
Mr. Ansari has over 30 years of past experience in City and County Public Works and has worked at
several municipalities in Southern California, including:
•City of Moreno Valley- Public Works Director/City Engineer
•City of Rialto- Public Works Director/City Engineer
•City of Perris- Public Works Director
•City of Pomona- Deputy Public Works Director/Assistant City Engineer.
He has managed CIP Programs and Public Works Operations, and served as the responsible in charge
of numerous multi-disciplinary teams, including:
•Capital Improvement Program project management and delivery
•Real Property/Right of Way acquisition and management
•Traffic and Transportation engineering
•Private Development/Entitlement process review and approval
•Maintenance and Operations including roads, storm drains, sewers, parks, facilities, traffic signals,
signs/striping, fleet
•Special Districts, Landscape/Lighting Assessment
•Electric Utility
OKAN DEMIRCI, PE, QSD, QSP, MBA, Principal Project Manager, QA/QC
Education
•BS in Engineering
Registrations/Certifications
•Registered Civil Engineer
•Caltrans Resident Engineer Academy
Highlights
Mr. Demirci has approximately 12 years of experience. Mr. Demirci serves as Assistant Public Works
Director, City Engineer, CIP Program Manager at Transtech’s Contract Cities and provides technical and
management support.
Mr. Demirci completed Caltrans Resident Engineer Academy, very familiar with the management and
administration of federally and state funded projects in compliance with Caltrans Local Assistance
Procedures Manual (LAPM).
Mr. Demirci works as CIP Program Manager at various Transtech’s Contract Cities and manages various
capital improvement programs including state and federal funded programs. Mr. Demirci’s experience
also includes working as Resident Engineer, Project Manager and Construction Manager on various
projects (including federal and state funded projects).
He has a broad knowledge of municipal government operations, including preparation and
presentation of staff reports/resolutions to city councils, committees and interaction with public, various
city departments, city council and other governmental agencies.
AZITA FAKOORBAYAT, PE, Primary Project Manager
Education
•BS in Civil Engineering
Registrations/Certifications
•Registered Civil Engineer
Highlights
Ms. Fakoorbayat has over 25 years of experience. She has a broad knowledge of municipal government
F-15
PROPOSAL 5
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
operations, including preparation and presentation of staff reports/resolutions to city councils,
committees and interaction with public, various city departments, city council and other governmental
agencies.
Recent Experience with Transtech’s contract Cities:
Contract CIP Project Manager, City of Chino: As contract CIP Project Manager, coordinate various CIP
projects throughout project design phase, including concrete, asphalt, storm drain, sewer, water,
grading, traffic signal, accessibility. Conduct design review, PS&E review, constructability and biddability
review, and manage design phase of various CIP projects, and manage and coordinate various CIP
projects with various design engineers to ensure project design phases are completed within time and
budget, and proceed with construction.
Public Agency Experience:
• Principal Engineer, City of Costa Mesa, CA
• As Principal Engineer, perform a broad range of highly complex and professional
• Civil Engineer I, Pierce County Public Works Utilities and Transportation
• Services, Design Section, Tacoma, WA
• Assistant City Engineer, City of Sumner, Sumner, WA
Private Consulting Experience:
• Senior Project Manager, Afb Group, Laguna Niguel, Ca
• Senior Project Manager, Berryman & Henigar, Santa Ana, Ca
• Project Manager, CNC Engineering, Newport Beach, Ca
• Senior Design Engineer/ Project Manager, Harding Lawson Associates Group Inc., Bellevue, Wa
MATT JABBARI, Project Management Support
Education
• MsCM in Construction Management, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
• BS, Civil Engineering, Univ. of Minnesota, MN
Registrations/Certifications
• Engineer in Training (EIT)
• Licensed A General Eng. Contractor
• Greenbook Sub-Committee Member
• ACI Field Concrete Technician – Class A
Highlights
Mr. Jabbari has over 25 years of experience in engineering and construction in both the public and
private sectors. He has provided construction management and inspection services on a wide variety of
public works projects, including grading, excavation, dry/wet utilities, SWPPP, site development, sewer,
asphalt & concrete paving, striping, curb&gutter, sidewalks, curb ramps, driveway aprons, storm drains,
concrete piles, street widening, slope-stabilization, retaining walls, soil nail, tiebacks, micropiles,
construction of levees, parks & trails, structural concrete, shotcrete.
Mr. Jabbari’s project management responsibilities include design oversight, preparation of
specifications, bid packages, cost estimates, conducting constructability reviews, monitoring schedules
and budget, preparing/reviewing construction management documentation including inspector daily
reports and weekly reports, responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, reviewing contract change orders,
resolving disputes with contractors and preparation/review of other technical documents for public
works/CIP projects.
EARL FRASER, Registered Constr. Inspector, QSP, Field Constructability Review/Support
Education
• BA
Registrations/Certifications
• Registered Construction Inspector by American Construction Inspectors Association
• QSP (Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner)
Highlights
Mr. Fraser has approximately 30 years of experience. He is a Registered Construction Inspector by
American Construction Inspectors Association. He is also certified as QSP (Construction General Permit
Qualified SWPPP Practitioner). His experience includes inspection local roads, pavement rehab, ADA,
grading wet and dry utilities. As Sr. Inspector/Construction Manager, he performs a wide variety of tasks
F-16
PROPOSAL 6
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
to ensure the project progresses on schedule, is in compliance with approved plans and specifications,
and effective communication and information flow is maintained with project participants. He has
inspected projects that are funded with State and Federal Funds and is familiar Caltrans LAPM for
Contract Administration.
Examples of his project experience as Sr. Inspector/Construction Manager includes:
•La Ballona Safe Routes to School Improvements, City of Culver City
•Valley-Linden Roadway Improvements, City of Rialto
•FY 19/20 Pavement Rehab, City of Commerce
•FY 19/20 Pavement Rehab Las Tunas Rd, City of Temple City
•FY 19/20 Pavement Rehab, City of Cudahy
•FY 17/18, 19/20, 20/21 Pavement Rehab, City of West Covina
•FY 19/20 Pavement Rehab, City of Maywood
•CDBG Various Restroom Improvements, City of Cudahy
•CDBG Sr. Center Facility Improvements, City of West Covina
•Traffic Signal Improvements (HSIP Cycle 6), City of South El Monte
•Brewster Ave Water and Sewer Improvements, City of Lynwood
•Agnes Ave Water and Sewer Improvements, City of Lynwood
•Primrose Park Improvements, City of Temple City
•Field Inspector and Design Support, City of Grand Terrace Pico Park Ball Field
RUDOLPH RODRIGUEZ, Office Engineering Support
Education
•B.S Civil Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona
Registrations/Certifications
•10-Hr OSHA
Highlights
Mr. Rodriguez has approximately 5 years of experience. His experience includes CIP management
support, coordination with City Departments, Utility Companies, Caltrans, other Regulatory Agencies,
Developers, Consultants, Contractors, and overall management and coordination support for a variety
of projects from design through plan review and approvals and construction. Following are various
examples of projects and assignments (under Transtech’s Municipal Engineering Contracts)
representative of his experience:
•CIP Project Management Support/Asst. Project Manager, City of West Covina, Maywood, Commerce,
South El Monte, Lynwood, Rosemead (services provided under Transtech City Engineering contract):
Provided capital improvement projects management support to Transtech’s contract City Engineer.
Under this role, Mr. Rodriguez provided CIP project management support as Asst. Project Manager,
Office Engineer and Field Inspection support, and he has been involved in planning, design and
construction phases of CIP projects. Mr. Rodriguez prepared staff reports, bid packages, RFPs,
technical documents, conducted field reviews, inspection and office engineering support to
Transtech construction managers and resident engineers. Highlighted projects are listed below:
o City of West Covina, FY 22/23 Pavement Rehabilitation: Citywide pavement rehabilitation (asphalt
coldmill and overlay and slurry seal), concrete improvements (sidewalk, curb, curb ramp), striping.
Project Cost: $4.0m.
o City of West Covina, CDBG Sidewalk Improvements (Federally Funded): Citywide pedestrian
accessibility improvements including concrete sidewalk, curb&gutter, driveway approach
improvements. Project Cost: $1.0m.
o City of West Covina, Citywide Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements: Citywide vehicle and
pedestrian safety improvements including crosswalks, traffic control devices (RRFBs, radar speed
feedback system, overhead flashing beacon, etc), signage and striping, accessibility
improvements including sidewalk, curb & gutter and driveway approach. Project Cost: $1.0m.
o City of Maywood, FY 22/23 Pavement Rehabilitation: Citywide pavement rehabilitation (asphalt
coldmill and overlay and slurry seal), concrete improvements (sidewalk, curb, curb ramp), striping.
Project Cost: $3.0m.
o City of Maywood, CDBG Sidewalk Improvements (Federally Funded): Citywide pedestrian
accessibility improvements including concrete sidewalk, curb&gutter, driveway approach
improvements. Project Cost: $0.75m.
F-17
PROPOSAL 7
Project Management Services for Nature Center Project
4. FEE
Sr. Eng/PM PM Office Eng
Av. Billing
Rate
Av. Billing
Rate
Av. Billing
Rate
$200 $190 $160
Pre-Bidding Phase:15 40 30 85 $15,400
Bidding and Contract Award Phase:5 20 10 35 $6,400
Pre-Construction Phase:10 30 30 70 $12,500
Construction Phase: (Per City, assumed 18 month construction
duration, and 15 hrs average per week during construction duration)100 700 350 1,150 $209,000
Post-Construction and Project Close-Out Phase:5 20 10 35 $6,400
Total Hours 135 810 430 1,375
Total Fees $27,000 $153,900 $68,800 $249,700
$249,700TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET
Above level of effort, durations and staff classifications and their hourly rates are average, and may be adjusted/re-allocated
between staff and tasks as necessary depending on actual work progress and needs.
Total
Hours
Total
CostLEVEL OF EFFORT TABLE
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Transtech Engineers, Inc.
D R A F T
City of Rolling Hills Estates
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
With
Transtech Engineers Incorporated
Effective Date: December 12, 2023
ATTACHMENT 3
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i
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Transtech Engineers, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Section 1. Term of Agreement. ............................................................................................. 1
Section 2. Scope and Performance of Services.................................................................. 1
Section 3. Additional Services and Changes in Services. ................................................. 2
Section 4. Familiarity with Services and Site. ..................................................................... 2
Section 5. Compensation and Payment. .............................................................................. 2
Section 6. Required Documentation Prior to Performance. .............................................. 3
Section 7. Time of Performance; Excusable Delays; Extensions. .................................... 3
Section 8. Cooperation by City. ............................................................................................ 4
Section 9. Project Documents. ............................................................................................. 4
Section 10. Confidential Information; Release of Information. ........................................... 4
Section 11. Consultant’s Books and Records. ..................................................................... 5
Section 12. Status of Consultant. ........................................................................................... 6
Section 13. Compliance with Applicable Laws. .................................................................... 6
Section 14. Unauthorized Persons. ........................................................................................ 6
Section 15. Conflicts of Interest. ............................................................................................ 7
Section 16. Indemnification. .................................................................................................... 7
Section 17. Insurance. ............................................................................................................. 9
Section 18. Assignment. .......................................................................................................... 9
Section 19. Default; Limitations on Liability. ........................................................................ 9
Section 20. Termination of Agreement. ................................................................................. 9
Section 21. Notices. ............................................................................................................... 10
Section 22. General Provisions. ........................................................................................... 10
EXHIBIT A – SCOPE OF SERVICES .......................................................................................... A-1
EXHIBIT B – KEY PERSONNEL & COMPENSATION….…………………………………………...B-1
EXHIBIT C – INSURANCE .......................................................................................................... C-1
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Transtech Engineers, Inc.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
This PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of December 12,
2023, (“Effective Date”), and is between the City of Rolling Hills Estates, a California municipal
corporation and general law city (“City”) and Transtech engineers, Inc, a California corporation,
(“Consultant”).
Section 1. Term of Agreement.
Subject to the provisions of Section 20 [Termination of Agreement], the term of this Agreement will be
for a period commencing on the Effective Date and will terminate upon the completion of Consultant’s
services.
Section 2. Scope and Performance of Services.
2.1 Consultant agrees to perform the services set forth in Exhibit A [Scope of Services], which is
made a part of this Agreement.
2.2 Consultant will furnish all of the labor, technical, administrative, professional and other
personnel, all supplies and materials, equipment, printing, vehicles, transportation, office
space and facilities, and all tests, testing and analyses, calculations, and all other means
whatsoever, except as otherwise expressly specified in this Agreement, necessary to perform
the services required of Consultant under this Agreement.
2.3 Consultant’s designated representative(s) who are authorized to act on its behalf and to
make all decisions in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement are
listed in Exhibit B [Key Personnel & Compensation], which is made a part of this Agreement.
2.4 Consultant must make every reasonable effort to maintain the stability and continuity of
Consultant’s key personnel and subcontractors, if any, listed in Exhibit B to perform the
services required under this Agreement. Consultant must notify City and obtain City’s written
approval with respect of any changes in key personnel prior to the performance of any
services by replacement personnel.
2.5 Consultant must obtain City’s prior written approval before utilizing any subcontractors to
perform any services under this Agreement. This written approval must include the identity of
the subcontractor and the terms of compensation.
2.6 Consultant represents that it has the qualifications, experience and facilities necessary to
properly perform the services required under this Agreement in a thorough, competent and
professional manner. Consultant will at all times faithfully, competently and to the best of its
ability, experience and talent, perform all services described in this Agreement. In meeting its
obligations under this Agreement, Consultant must employ, at a minimum, generally
accepted standards and practices utilized by persons engaged in providing services similar to
those required of Consultant under this Agreement.
2.7 City may inspect and accept or reject any of Consultant’s work under this Agreement, either
during performance or when completed. Acceptance of any of Consultant’s work by City will
not constitute a waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
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2.8 The Consultant must maintain any work site in the City in a safe condition, free of hazards to
persons and property resulting from its operations.
Section 3. Additional Services and Changes in Services.
3.1 Consultant will not be compensated for any services rendered in connection with its
performance of this Agreement that are in addition to or outside of those set forth in the
Scope of Services or otherwise required by this Agreement, unless such additional services
are authorized in advance and in writing by City.
3.2 If Consultant believes that additional services are needed to complete the Scope of Services,
Consultant will provide the City Manager with written notification describing the proposed
additional services, the reasons for such services, and a detailed proposal regarding cost.
3.3 City may order changes to the Scope of Services, consisting of additions, deletions, or other
revisions, and the compensation to be paid Consultant will be adjusted accordingly. All such
changes must be authorized in writing, and executed by Consultant and City. The cost or
credit to City resulting from changes in the services will be determined by the written
agreement between the parties.
Section 4. Familiarity with Services and Site.
4.1 By executing this Agreement, Consultant represents that Consultant:
(a) has thoroughly investigated and considered the Scope of Services to be performed;
(b) has carefully considered how the services should be performed;
(c) understands the facilities, difficulties, and restrictions attending performance of the
services under this Agreement; and
(d) possesses all licenses required under local, state or federal law to perform the
services contemplated by this Agreement, and will maintain all required licenses
during the performance of this Agreement.
4.2 If services involve work upon any site, Consultant has or will investigate the site and is or will
be fully acquainted with the conditions there existing, before commencing its services.
Should Consultant discover any latent or unknown conditions that may materially affect the
performance of services, Consultant will immediately inform City of such fact and will not
proceed except at Consultant’s own risk until written instructions are received from City.
Section 5. Compensation and Payment.
5.1 Subject to any limitations set forth in this Agreement, City agrees to pay Consultant the
amounts specified in Exhibit B (“Key Personnel & Compensation”). The total compensation,
including reimbursement for actual expenses, may not exceed the amount set forth in Exhibit
B, unless additional compensation is approved in writing by City.
5.2 The use of subconsultants will not be considered a reimbursable expense, and such costs
must be applied towards the approved budgeted amount.
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5.3 Each month during the term of this Agreement, Consultant must furnish City with an original
invoice for all services performed and expenses incurred during the preceding month in
accordance with the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit B. The invoice must detail charges by
the following categories: labor (by subcategory), reimbursable costs, subcontractor contracts
and miscellaneous expenses. The invoice must list, as applicable, the hours worked and
hourly rates for each personnel category, the tasks performed, the percentage of the task
completed during the billing period, the cumulative percentage completed for each task, and
the total cost of the services. If applicable, the invoice must also provide a budget summary
including the total amounts previously invoiced and paid, the current invoice amount and the
budget remaining.
5.4 City will review each invoice submitted by Consultant to determine whether the work
performed and expenses incurred are in compliance with this Agreement. In the event that
no charges or expenses are disputed, the invoice will be approved and paid. In the event any
charges or expenses are disputed by City, the invoice will be returned by City to Consultant
for correction and resubmission.
5.5 Except as to any charges for work performed or expenses incurred by Consultant that are
disputed by City, City will cause Consultant to be paid within 30 days of receipt of
Consultant’s invoice.
5.6 Payment to Consultant for services performed under this Agreement may not be deemed to
waive any defects in the services performed by Consultant, even if such defects were known
to City at the time of payment.
5.7 City reserves the right to withhold future payment to Consultant if any aspect of the
Consultant’s work is found substantially inadequate.
Section 6. Required Documentation Prior to Performance.
6.1 Consultant may not perform any services under this Agreement until:
(a) Consultant furnishes proof of insurance as required under Exhibit C;
(b) Consultant provides City with a Taxpayer Identification Number;
(c) Consultant obtains a City business tax certificate and license, if applicable, and
provides proof of compliance; and
(d) City gives Consultant a written notice to proceed.
6.2 The City will have no obligation to pay for any services rendered by Consultant in advance of
receiving written authorization to proceed, and Consultant acknowledges that any such
services are at Consultant’s own risk.
Section 7. Time of Performance; Excusable Delays; Extensions.
7.1 Consultant must adhere to all schedules and deadlines set forth in this Agreement.
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7.2 Consultant will not be liable for damages, including liquidated damages, if any, caused by
delay in performance or failure to perform due to causes beyond the control of Consultant.
Such causes include, but are not limited to, acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of federal,
state or local governments, acts of City, court orders, fires, floods, epidemics, strikes,
embargoes, and unusually severe weather.
7.3 If Consultant is delayed by any cause beyond Consultant’s control, City may grant, but is not
required to, a time extension for the completion of services. If delay occurs, Consultant must
notify City within 48 hours, in writing, of the cause and the extent of the delay and how such
delay interferes with Consultant’s performance of services.
Section 8. Cooperation by City.
All public information, data, reports, records, and maps as are existing and available to City as public
records, and which are necessary for carrying out the Scope of Services will be furnished to
Consultant in every reasonable way to facilitate, without undue delay, the services to be performed
under this Agreement.
Section 9. Project Documents.
9.1 All original computer programs, data, designs, drawings, files, maps, memoranda, models,
notes, photographs, reports, studies, surveys and other documents (collectively, “Project
Documents”) prepared, developed or discovered by Consultant in the course of providing
services under this Agreement will become the sole property of City and may be used,
reused or otherwise disposed of by City without the permission of Consultant. Consultant will
take such steps as are necessary to perfect or protect the ownership interest of City in such
Project Documents. Upon completion, expiration or termination of this Agreement or upon
request by City, Consultant must turn over to City all such original Project Documents in its
possession; provided, however, that Consultant may retain copies of Project Documents. City
acknowledges and agrees that use of Consultant’s completed work product, for purposes
other than identified in this Agreement, or use of incomplete work product, is at City’s own
risk. If necessary, Consultant agrees to execute all appropriate documents to assign to City
the copyright or intellectual property rights to the Project Documents created pursuant to this
Agreement.
9.2 Except as necessary for the performance of services under this Agreement, no Project
Documents prepared under this Agreement, will be released by Consultant to any other
person or entity without City’s prior written approval.
Section 10. Confidential Information; Release of Information.
10.1 All information gained or work product produced by Consultant in performance of this
Agreement will be considered confidential, unless such information is in the public domain or
already known to Consultant. Consultant may not release or disclose any such information or
work product to persons or entities other than City without prior written authorization from the
City Manager, except as may be required by law.
10.2 Consultant, its officers, employees, or agents, may not, without prior written authorization
from the City Manager or unless requested by the City Attorney of City, voluntarily provide
declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions, response to interrogatories or other
information concerning the services performed under this Agreement. Response to a
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subpoena or court order will not be considered “voluntary” provided Consultant gives City
notice of such court order or subpoena.
10.3 If Consultant, or any officer, employee, or agent of Consultant, provides any information or
work product (including Project Documents) in violation of this Agreement, then City will have
the right to reimbursement and indemnity from Consultant for any damages, costs and fees,
including attorneys fees, to the extent caused by or incurred as a result of Consultant’s
conduct.
10.4 Consultant must promptly notify City should Consultant, its officers, employees, or agents be
served with any summons, complaint, subpoena, notice of deposition, request for documents,
interrogatories, request for admissions or other discovery request, court order or subpoena
from any party regarding this Agreement and the services performed under this Agreement.
City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant or be present at any
deposition, hearing or similar proceeding. Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with City and
to provide City with the opportunity to review any response to discovery requests provided by
Consultant. However, this right to review any such response does not imply or mean the
right by City to control, direct, or rewrite such response.
10.5 All media and press releases, including graphic display information, must be approved and
distributed solely by City, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by City. All media interviews
regarding the performance of services under this Agreement are prohibited unless expressly
authorized by City.
Section 11. Consultant’s Books and Records.
11.1 Consultant must maintain all documents and records demonstrating or relating to
Consultant’s performance of services under this Agreement, including ledgers, books of
account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, or other documents or records evidencing or
relating to work, services, expenditures and disbursements charged to City under this
Agreement. All financial documents or records must be maintained in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and all other documents must be sufficiently
complete and detailed so as to permit an accurate evaluation of the services provided by
Consultant under this Agreement. All such documents or records must be maintained for at
least three years following the final payment under this Agreement.
11.2 Any and all records or documents required to be maintained by this section must be made
available for inspection, audit and copying, at any time during regular business hours, upon
written request by City or its designated representative. Copies of such documents or
records must be provided directly to City for inspection, audit and copying when it is practical
to do so; otherwise, unless an alternative is mutually agreed upon, such documents and
records must be made available at Consultant’s address indicated for receipt of notices in this
Agreement.
11.3 Where City has reason to believe that any of the documents or records required to be
maintained by this section may be lost or discarded due to dissolution or termination of
Consultant’s business, City may, by written request, require that custody of such documents
or records be given to a person or entity mutually agreed upon and that such documents and
records thereafter be maintained by such person or entity at Consultant’s expense. Access
to such documents and records must be granted to City, as well as to its successors-in-
interest and authorized representatives.
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Section 12. Status of Consultant.
12.1 Consultant is and will at all times remain a wholly independent contractor and not an officer or
employee of City. Consultant has no authority to bind City in any manner, or to incur any
obligation, debt or liability of any kind on behalf of or against City, whether by contract or
otherwise, unless such authority is expressly conferred under this Agreement or is otherwise
expressly conferred in writing by City.
12.2 The personnel performing the services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant will at
all times be under Consultant’s exclusive direction and control. Neither City, nor any elected
or appointed boards, officers, officials, employees or agents of City, will have control over the
conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant’s officers, employees or agents, except as
provided in this Agreement. Consultant agrees that it will not at any time or in any manner
represent that Consultant or any of Consultant’s officers, employees or agents are in any
manner officials, officers, or employees of City.
12.3 Neither Consultant, nor any of Consultant’s officers, employees or agents, will obtain any
rights to retirement, health care or any other benefits which may otherwise accrue to City’s
employees. Consultant expressly waives any claim to any such rights or benefits.
Section 13. Compliance with Applicable Laws.
13.1 In General. Consultant must use the standard of care in its profession to keep itself informed
of and comply with all federal, state and local laws, statutes, codes, ordinances, regulations
and rules in effect during the term of this Agreement that apply to the services performed by
Consultant.
13.2 Professional Licenses and Approvals. Consultant agrees that it will, at its sole cost and
expense, obtain and maintain in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement any
licenses, permits, insurance and approvals that are legally required for Consultant to practice
its profession.
13.3 Employment Laws. Consultant agrees to comply with all applicable federal and state
employment laws including those that relate to minimum hours and wages, occupational
health and safety, and workers compensation insurance. Consultant further represents that it
is an equal opportunity employer and in performing services under this Agreement agrees to
comply with all applicable federal and state laws governing equal opportunity employment,
and further agrees that it will not discriminate in the employment of persons to perform
services under this Agreement on the basis of the race, religious creed, color, national origin,
ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital
status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, or sexual orientation of any
such person, except as may be permitted by California Government Code section 12940.
Section 14. Unauthorized Persons.
Consultant agrees to comply with all of the applicable provisions of the Federal Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq.), as it may be amended, and further agrees not to employ
unauthorized persons as defined under the Act. Should Consultant employ any unauthorized
persons for the performance of any work or services covered by this Agreement, and should any
liability or sanctions be imposed against City for the use of unauthorized persons, Consultant agrees
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to reimburse City for the amount of all such liabilities or sanctions imposed, together with any and all
related costs, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by City.
Section 15. Conflicts of Interest.
15.1 Consultant covenants that neither Consultant, nor any officer, principal or employee of its
firm, has or will acquire any interest, directly or indirectly, that would conflict in any manner
with the interests of City or that would in any way hinder Consultant’s performance of
services under this Agreement. Consultant’s attention is directed to the conflict of interest
rules applicable to governmental decision-making contained in the Political Reform Act
(California Government Code Section 87100 and following) and its implementing regulations
(California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 18700 et seq.), and California Government
Code section 1090.
15.2 Consultant covenants that neither Consultant, nor any officer, principal or employee of its firm
will make, participate in the making, or in any way attempt to use the position of Consultant to
influence any decision of the City in which Consultant knows or has reason to know that
Consultant, or any officer, principal or employee of Consultant has any of the financial
interests listed in Government Code section 87103.
15.3 If Consultant discovers that it has employed a person with a direct or indirect interest that
would conflict with its performance of this Agreement, Consultant must promptly disclose the
relationship to City and take such action as City may direct to remedy the conflict.
15.4 City understands and acknowledges that Consultant is, as of the Effective Date,
independently involved in the performance of non-related services for other governmental
agencies and private parties. Consultant represents that, except as otherwise disclosed to
City, it is unaware of any stated position of City relative to these projects. Any future position
of City on these projects will not be considered a conflict of interest for purposes of this
section.
Section 16. Indemnification.
16.1 The parties agree that City should, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be defended,
indemnified, and held harmless from all Services Claims and Operations Claims (defined
below) related to the performance by Consultant of this Agreement. Accordingly, the
provisions of this section are intended by the parties to be interpreted and construed to
provide the City with the fullest protection possible under the law. Consultant acknowledges
that City would not enter into this Agreement in the absence of Consultant’s commitment to
defend, indemnify, and hold harmless City as set forth in this section.
16.2 For the purposes of this section, “City” includes City’s officers, officials, employees, agents
and volunteers, and “Consultant” includes Consultant’s officers, officials, employees, agents
and subcontractors and any other persons for whom Consultant is legally responsible.
16.3 With respect to the performance of professional services under this Agreement where the law
establishes a professional standard of care for such services, Consultant agrees to
indemnify, and hold harmless City from and against all liabilities, damages, losses, and costs,
including but not limited to reimbursement of reasonable attorney's fees and all other costs of
defense, to the extent caused by the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of
Consultant (collectively, “Services Claims”).
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16.4 With respect to the acts and operations of Consultant under this Agreement other than the
performance of professional services, Consultant agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold
harmless City from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and costs,
including but not limited to reasonable attorney's fees and all other costs of defense, to the
extent caused, in whole or in part, by the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of
Consultant, and excepting only those claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and costs caused
by City’s sole negligence or willful misconduct (collectively, “Operations Claims”).
16.5 Consultant must notify City within five days of receipt of notice of any Operations Claims or
Services Claims made or legal action initiated that arises out of or pertains to Consultant’s
performance of services under this Agreement.
16.6 Consultant’s duty to defend Operations Claims is a separate and distinct obligation from
Consultant’s duty to indemnify City for any Operations Claims. With respect to Operations
Claims, Consultant is obligated to defend City in all legal, equitable, administrative, or special
proceedings, with counsel reasonably approved by City, immediately upon tender to
Consultant of an Operations Claim in any form or at any stage of an action or proceeding,
whether or not liability is established. An allegation or determination that persons other than
Consultant are responsible for the Operations Claim does not relieve Consultant from its
separate and distinct obligation to defend under this section. The obligation to defend
extends through final judgment, including exhaustion of any appeals..
16.7 Consultant agrees that settlement of any Operations or Services Claim against City requires
the consent of City. City agrees that its consent will not be unreasonably withheld provided
that Consultant is financially able (based on demonstrated assets including insurance) to
fulfill its obligation to indemnify City for the costs of any such settlement as required under
this Agreement.
16.8 The insurance required to be maintained by Consultant under this Agreement is intended to
ensure Consultant’s obligations under this section, but the limits of such insurance do not
limit the liability of Consultant.
16.9 Consultant agrees to obtain executed indemnity agreements with provisions identical to those
set forth in this section from each subcontractor or any other person or entity involved by, for,
with or on behalf of Consultant in the performance of this Agreement. If Consultant fails to
obtain such indemnity obligations from others as required, Consultant will be fully responsible
for all obligations under this section. City’s failure to monitor compliance with this
requirement imposes no additional obligations on City and will in no way act as a waiver of
any rights under this Agreement.
16.10 The parties acknowledge and agree that design professionals are required to defend and
indemnify the City only to the extent permitted by Civil Code section 2782.8, which limits
claims to those that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful
misconduct of the design professional. The term "design professional,” is defined in Section
2782.8, and includes licensed architects, licensed landscape architects, registered
professional engineers, professional land surveyors and the business entities that offer such
services in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Business and Professions Code.
The parties further acknowledge and agree that the provisions of this Section 16 are to be
interpreted and applied to the fullest extent permitted by Civil Code section 2782.8.
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16.11 The provisions of this section will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this
Agreement in accordance with the applicable provisions of Exhibit C [Insurance].
Section 17. Insurance.
Consultant agrees to obtain and maintain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement the
insurance coverages listed in Exhibit C (“Insurance”), which is made a part of this Agreement. All
insurance policies are subject to approval by City as to form and content. These requirements are
subject to amendment or waiver if so approved in writing by the City Manager or City Attorney.
Section 18. Assignment.
The expertise and experience of Consultant are material considerations for this Agreement. City has
an interest in the qualifications of and capability of the persons and entities that will fulfill the duties
and obligations imposed upon Consultant under this Agreement. In recognition of that interest,
Consultant may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any portion of this Agreement or the
performance of any of Consultant’s duties or obligations under this Agreement without the prior
written consent of City, which may be withheld in the City’s sole discretion. Any attempted
assignment will be null and void, and will constitute a material breach of this Agreement entitling City
to any and all remedies at law or in equity, including summary termination of this Agreement.
Section 19. Default; Limitations on Liability.
19.1 In the event that Consultant is in default under the terms of this Agreement, City will have no
obligation or duty to continue compensating Consultant for any services performed after City
provides written notice to Consultant of such default.
19.2 Consultant agrees that no City official, officer, employee or agent will be personally liable to
Consultant in the event of any default or breach of City, or for any amount which may become
due to Consultant, or for any obligations directly or indirectly incurred under this Agreement.
19.3 City’s liability under this Agreement is limited to payment of Consultant in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement and excludes any liability whatsoever for consequential or indirect
damages even if such damages are foreseeable.
Section 20. Termination of Agreement.
20.1 City may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, at any time by written notice of
termination to Consultant. In the event such notice is given, Consultant must cease
immediately all work and services in progress.
20.2 Consultant may terminate this Agreement at any time upon 30 days prior written notice of
termination to City.
20.3 Upon termination of this Agreement by either Consultant or City, all property belonging to City
that is in Consultant’s possession must be returned to City. Consultant must promptly deliver
to City a final invoice for all outstanding services performed and expenses incurred by
Consultant as of the date of termination. Compensation for work in progress not based on an
hourly rate will be prorated based on the percentage of work completed as of the date of
termination.
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20.4 Consultant acknowledges City’s rights to terminate this Agreement as provided in this
section, and hereby waives any and all claims for damages that might otherwise arise from
City’s termination of this Agreement.
Section 21. Notices.
21.1 All written notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be deemed
made when received by the other party at its respective address as follows:
To City: ` City of Rolling Hills Estates
4045 Palos Verdes Drive North
City of Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Attention: David Wahba, Public Works Director
(Tel.) (310) 377-1577, ext. 103
(Fax) (310) 377-4468
(E-Mail) DavidW@RollingHillsEstates.gov
To Consultant: Transtech Engineers, Inc.
13367 Benson Avenue
Chino, CA 91710
Attention: Ahmad Ansari, PE, Principal
(Tel.) (949) 702-5612
(Fax) N/A
(E-mail) Ahmad.ansari@transtech.org
21.2 Notice will be deemed effective on the date personally delivered or electronically transmitted
by facsimile. If the notice is mailed, notice will be deemed given three days after deposit of
the same in the custody of the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, for first class
delivery, or upon delivery if using a major courier service with tracking capabilities.
21.3 Any party may change its notice information by giving notice to the other party in compliance
with this section.
Section 22. General Provisions.
22.1 Authority to Execute; Counterparts. Each party represents and warrants that all necessary
action has been taken by such party to authorize the undersigned to execute this Agreement
and to bind it to the performance of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement may be
executed in several counterparts, each of which will constitute one and the same instrument
and will become binding upon the parties when at least one copy has been signed by both
parties.
22.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the attached Exhibits A through C, is the
entire, complete, final and exclusive expression of the parties with respect to the matters
addressed in this Agreement and supersedes all other agreements or understandings,
whether oral or written, between Consultant and City prior to the execution of this Agreement.
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22.3 Binding Effect. This Agreement is binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators,
successors and assigns of the parties.
22.4 Modification of Agreement. No amendment to or modification of this Agreement will be
valid unless made in writing and approved by Consultant and by the City Council or City
Manager, as applicable. The parties agree that this requirement for written modifications
cannot be waived and that any attempted waiver will be void.
22.5 Electronic Signatures. This Agreement and any amendment will be considered executed
when the signature page of a party is delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission.
Such electronic signatures will have the same effect as an original signature.
22.6 Waiver. Waiver by any party to this Agreement of any term, condition, or covenant of this
Agreement will not constitute a waiver of any other term, condition, or covenant. Waiver by
any party of any breach of the provisions of this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of any
other provision, or a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation of any provision of this
Agreement. Acceptance by City of any services by Consultant will not constitute a waiver of
any of the provisions of this Agreement.
22.7 Interpretation. This Agreement will be interpreted, construed and governed according to the
laws of the State of California. Each party has had the opportunity to review this Agreement
with legal counsel. The Agreement will be construed simply, as a whole, and in accordance
with its fair meaning. It will not be interpreted strictly for or against either party.
22.8 Severability. If any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement is declared or determined
by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions of this Agreement will not be affected and the Agreement will be read and
construed without the invalid, void or unenforceable provision.
22.9 Venue. In the event of litigation between the parties, venue in will be exclusively in a state
court in the County of Los Angeles.
[Signatures on the following page.]
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THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF the parties hereby execute this
Agreement as follows:
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
_________________________________
Greg Grammer, City Manager
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Lauren Petit, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
Donald M. Davis, City Attorney
CONSULTANT:
Transtech Engineers, Inc.
By___________________________
Name:
Title:
By___________________________
Name:
Title:
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EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT B
KEY PERSONNEL & COMPENSATION
1. Consultant’s designated representative(s) who are authorized to act on its behalf and to make all
decisions in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement are:
_______________________________________________________.
2. Total compensation under this Agreement, including reimbursement for actual expenses, may not
exceed: $249,700.
FEE SCHEDULE
(Complete or attached Separate Schedule)
KEY PERSONNEL:
Name Title/Position Rate (Per Hour)
Senior Engineer/Project Manager
(PM)
$200
Project Manager $190
Office Engineer $160
SUBCONSULTANTS:
Name Title/Position Rate (Per Hour)
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EXHIBIT C
INSURANCE
1. Required Insurance. Before commencing any services, Consultant must procure and maintain in
full force and effect during the term of this Agreement the following types of insurance with at
least the minimum coverage listed and subject to the applicable additional requirements set forth
below:
Type of Insurance Limits (combined single)
Commercial General Liability $2,000,000
Business Automobile Liability $2,000,000
Workers’ Compensation Statutory Requirements
Professional Liability $2,000,000
2. Insurance Rating. All insurance required to be maintained by Consultant must be issued by
companies licensed by or admitted to conduct insurance business in the State of California by the
California Department of Insurance and must have a rating of A or better and Class VII or better
by the latest edition of A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the City’s
legal counsel.
3. Commercial General Liability Insurance. The commercial general liability insurance must meet
or exceed the requirements of Insurance Services Office (ISO) form CG 00 01, and must be in an
amount not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property
damage. The policy must include contractual liability that has not been amended. The insurance
must be on an “occurrence” not a “claims made” basis. Defense costs must be paid in addition to
limits. There must be no cross-liability exclusion for claims or suits by one insured against
another. The insurance must include a waiver of subrogation applicable to the insurance or self-
insurance, a primary and non-contributory endorsement, and an additional insured endorsement,
all in favor of the City, its officers, agents, employees and volunteers.
4. Business Automobile Insurance. The business automobile insurance coverage must be at
least as broad as ISO Business Auto Coverage form CA 00 01, covering bodily injury and
property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with the
services to be performed under this Agreement, including coverage for any owned, hired, non-
owned or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than $2,000,000 combined single limit for each
accident. Such insurance must include both a waiver of subrogation applicable to the insurance
or self-insurance, and a primary and non-contributory endorsement, both in favor of the City, its
officers, agents, employees and volunteers.
5. Workers’ Compensation. Consultant must maintain workers’ compensation insurance (statutory
limits) and employer’s liability insurance (with limits of at least $1,000,000). Such insurance must
include a waiver of subrogation endorsement in favor of City, its officers, agents, employees and
volunteers.
6. Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance. The professional liability insurance
must cover the services to be performed under this Agreement and must be in an amount not
less than $2,000,000. The coverage must be provided on a “claims made” basis. Consultant
must maintain continuous coverage through a period not less than three years after the
completion of the services required under this Agreement.
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7. Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance. If an excess or umbrella liability policy is used to meet
minimum limit requirements, the insurance must provide coverage at least as broad as specified
for the underlying coverages. Any such coverage provided under an umbrella or excess liability
policy must include a “drop-down provision” requiring the policy to respond in the event that any
primary insurance that would otherwise have applied proves to be uncollectable in whole or in
part for any reason. Coverage must be provided on a “pay-on-behalf” basis, with defense costs
payable in addition to policy limits. There may be no cross-liability exclusion precluding coverage
for claims or suits by one insured against another. The policy must “follow form” to the underlying
primary policy. Coverage must be applicable to all insureds under the primary policies. The
scope of coverage provided is subject to approval of City following receipt of the required proof of
insurance. Limits are subject to review, but in no event may be less than $4,000,000 per
occurrence and aggregate.
8. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retention. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions applicable
to the insurance policies required under this Agreement must be declared to and approved by
City. In no event may any required insurance policy have a deductible, self-insured retention or
other similar policy provision in excess of $50,000 without prior written approval by City in its sole
discretion. At the option of City, either the insurer will reduce or eliminate such deductibles or
self-insured retentions with respect to the City’s additional insureds or Consultant will procure a
bond guaranteeing payment of any losses, damages, expenses, costs or settlements up to the
amount of such deductibles or self-insured retentions.
9. Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements; Notice of Termination or Changes to Policies.
Prior to commencing any services under this Agreement, Consultant must file with the City
certificates of insurance and endorsements evidencing the existence of all insurance required by
this Agreement, along with such other evidence of insurance or certified copies of policies as may
reasonably be required by City. These certificates of insurance and endorsements must be in a
form approved by the City’s legal counsel. Consultant must maintain current certificates and
endorsements on file with City during the term of this Agreement reflecting the existence of all
required insurance. Each of the certificates must expressly provide that no material change in the
policy, or termination or cancellation of the required coverage, will be effective except upon 30
days’ prior written notice to City by certified mail, return receipt requested. The delivery to City of
any certificates of insurance or endorsements that do not comply with the requirements of this
Agreement will not waive the City’s right to require compliance. In the event that Consultant’s
policies are materially changed, Consultant must provide the City with at least 30 days’ prior
written notice of the applicable changes.
10. Failure to Maintain Required Insurance. If Consultant, for any reason, fails to have in place at
all times during the term of this Agreement all of the required insurance coverage, the City may,
but is not obligated to, obtain such coverage at Consultant’s expense and deduct the cost from
the sums due Consultant. Alternatively, City may terminate the Agreement.
11. Effect of Coverage. The existence of the required insurance coverage under this Agreement will
not be deemed to satisfy or limit Consultant’s indemnity obligations under this Agreement.
Consultant acknowledges that the insurance coverage and policy limits set forth in this
Agreement constitute the minimum coverage and policy limits required. Should any coverage
carried by the Consultant or any subcontractor of any tier have limits of liability that exceed the
limits or have broader coverage than required in this Agreement, those higher limits and that
broader coverage are deemed to apply for the benefit of any person or organization included as
an additional insured and those limits and broader coverage will become the required minimum
limits and insurance coverage in all sections of this Agreement. Any insurance proceeds
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available to City in excess of the limits and coverages required by this Agreement, and which is
applicable to a given loss, must be made available to City to compensate it for such losses.
12. Right to Revise Insurance Specifications. City reserves the right to change the amounts and
types of insurance required by giving Consultant at least 90 days’ advance written notice of such
change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to Consultant, the parties may
renegotiate Consultant’s compensation.
13. Timely Notice of Claims. Consultant must give City prompt notice of claims made of lawsuits
initiated that arise out of or result from Consultant’s performance under this Agreement, and that
involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability insurance policies.
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City of Rancho Palos Verdes
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
30940 HAWTHORNE BLVD. / RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90275-5391 / (310) 544-5207 / FAX (310) 544-5291 / WWW.RPVCA.GOV
July 6, 2023
Via Email
caltransvtb@virtualeventroom.net
Jason Roach
Senior Environmental Planner
Division of Environmental Planning (Project EA 07-39020)
California Department of Transportation, District 7
100 South Main Street, MS 16A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
SUBJECT: Comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental
Document for the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project
(Project EA 07-39020)
Dear Mr. Roach,
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has reviewed the NOP of an Environmental Document
for the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project (Project EA 07-39020) and
offers the following comments for your consideration.
The City recognizes the urgency of the repair work needed to ensure the bridge can
continue to serve the 53,000 vehicles that cross it daily, including commuters and trucks
transporting goods from the twin ports alike. However, we are concerned about the traffic
and air quality impacts that will result from the proposed project.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge is a major regional arterial connecting the Palos Verdes
Peninsula to Long Beach and Orange County. The proposed project will cause major
disruptions for the thousands of residents, workers, and visitors who drive on the bridge
daily traveling between these regions. Additionally, Pacific Coast Highway and Anaheim
Street, two of the possible detour routes, are used daily by thousands of Peninsula
residents getting on and off the 110 Harbor Freeway on their way to and from work.
Commuters who cross Terminal Island and residents of neighborhoods adjacent to the
proposed detour routes have already endured significant impacts due to port-related
construction projects in recent years, including from detours caused by the Gerald
Desmond Bridge Replacement Project. Unlike the proposed Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck
Replacement Project, that project did not require major, long-term bridge closures. In
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Mr. Jason Roach
July 6, 2023
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addition to impacts to air quality, noise, and pedestrian safety, the analysis should
thoroughly assess traffic impacts that will result from this project under each of the
proposed timelines at both the local and regional levels.
None of the proposed staging schedules – either a full bridge closure for 9-12 months or
partial closures ranging from 24 to 36 months – is ideal given the associated trade-offs.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes urges you to consider studying the additional project
alternatives recommended by Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker, including
adding a second bridge deck or replacing the bridge entirely, which could allow the bridge
to remain open during construction. We also support exploring using a potential ferry or
water taxi service during construction and the creation of a community advisory
committee.
Finally, while we appreciate the extension of the public review and comment period, we
request greater public outreach and transparency for this and other Caltrans projects with
significant impacts to residents who may not be as familiar with Caltrans’ public process
as their local municipality.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the NOP, and we hope the final analysis
will thoroughly address our concerns and consider less impactful alternatives.
Sincerely,
Ara Mihranian, AICP
City Manager
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
cc: Ben Allen, Senator, 24th State Senate District
Steven Bradford, Senator, 35th State Senate District
Al Muratsuchi, Assembly Member, 66th Assembly District
Mike Gipson, Assembly Member, 65th Assembly District
Janice Hahn, L.A. County Supervisor, 4th District
Tim McOsker, L.A. City Councilmember, 15th District
Rancho Palos Verdes City Council
Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
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