CC SR 20250520 H - Preserve and CCT Signage
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 05/20/2025
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration to award a professional services agreement to Express Sign & Neon for
Preserve, California Coastal Trail, and City Entry Sign replacement and repairs.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1) Award a professional services agreement to Express Sign & Neon for the design,
fabrication, repair, and installation of signs and related support services for the
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve), California Coastal Trail (CCT), and City
entry signage in the amount of $38,500.
2) Find that pursuant to RPVMC § 2.44.070 (B) and (D), due to the nature of the
service, supplies, and equipment, bidding is not likely to result in the lowest price
or greatest benefit to the City; and
3) Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement in a form approved by the City
Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funding for this expenditure of $38,500 is included in the Fiscal
Year 2024-25 Budget under the Open Space Management
Operating Materials and Supplies account, the Open Space
Management Repair and Maintenance Services account, and the
Public Works Street Landscape account. No Additional appropriation
is requested. VR
Amount Budgeted: $38,500 VR
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-5122-4310 $10,000
(Open Space Management Operating Matls. & Supplies)
101-400-5122-5201 $20,000
(Open Space Management Repair & Maintenance Svs.)
101-400-3180-5201 $8,500
(Street Landscape Maint. - Repair & Maintenance Svs.)
ORIGINATED BY: Katie Lozano, Open Space and Trails Manager
REVIEWED BY: Dan Trautner, Recreation and Parks Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Professional Services Agreement with Express Sign & Neon (page A -1)
B. Express Sign & Neon Proposal (page B-1)
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BACKGROUND:
Preserve Signage Plan
The Public Use Master Plan (PUMP) for the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve),
approved by the City Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department
of Fish and Wildlife, indicates that the City is responsible for installing and maintaining
Preserve entry signage and regulatory signage. The City Council approved a Preserve
Signage Plan for the Preserve in June 2016. The signs included in the Signage Plan
displays the names of the 13 individual public access reserves (subareas of the greater
Preserve), displays trail maps, identifies open space regulations, and provides
interpretive information emphasizing the importance and value of the hab itat and
protected species within the Preserve.
The six separate sign types included in the Preserve Signage Plan are displayed below
and include a primary identification sign, a secondary identification sign, an orientation
panel, a single regulation panel, and two types of interpretive signs.
This sign plan provides an appropriate selection of options for display throughout the
Preserve to best fit the needs of each location. Not all signs are used in every Reserve to
avoid signage “pollution.” Since City Council approved the Preserve Signage Plan,
signage has been installed at all 13 public access reserves. There are currently 3
orientation panels that require partial replacements, and 1 additional single regulatory
panel that is recommended for placement to help enforcement efforts for trail regulations.
California Coastal Trail Signage
In 2013, the City Council approved several trail improvements and amenities as part of
the implementation of the City’s 9-mile segment of the California Coastal Trail. The
California Coastal Trail is a coastal public access endeavor led by the California Coastal
Conservancy that includes the realization of a 1,200-mile trail that extends from the
Oregon to Mexico boundary lines, including the 9-mile segment through Rancho Palos
Verdes. The City’s segment of the trail includes 11 aluminum frame interpretive and trail
map panels and 32 trail markers. Since installation in 2013, one of the interpretive panels
sustained damage due to wear and tear and was replaced in 2020, and three additional
interpretive panels have sustained damage due to wear and tear and are now being
recommended for replacement. Staff is also recommending that the California Coastal
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Trail interpretive panels be replaced in the style and material use of the Preserve
interpretive signs to create consistency with City trail signs and because of the
attractiveness and durability of the Preserve signs. The original California Coastal Trail
map and interpretive panels and the Preserve interpretive signs are similar in size and
design; and the material of the Preserve signs are showing a longer lifespan and better
longevity in regards to sun exposure and the City’s coastal climate.
City Entry Signage
In 2022, the City Council approved new City entry monument signs marking the major
entry points into the City. The previous entry signs had become dated, unattractive, and
in many cases in poor conditions. In early 2025, the entry sign located at 1st Street and
Miraleste Drive was hit by a car and damaged. Staff proposes repairing this City entry
sign as part of this professional services agreement.
DISCUSSION:
In order to replace and repair the signs noted above, Staff recommends entering into a
professional services agreement with Express Sign & Neon for the furnishing, installation,
and repair of the above-mentioned 10 Preserve, California Coastal Trail City entry signs
in the amount of $38,500 (Attachment A). The professional services agreement for
consideration by the City Council utilizes the following exceptions to procedures for
quotes and proposals in the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Sections 2.44.070 B
and D:
RPVMC § 2.44.070 B:The purchasing agent finds that such services, supplies, or
equipment are unique because of the quality, durability, availability, or fitness for a
particular use and are available from only one source.
RPVMC § 2.44.070 D: The City Council finds that due to the nature of the services,
supplies, or equipment, bidding is not likely to result in the lowest price or greatest
benefit to the city.
These exceptions are being utilized as the preferred procedure for quotes and proposals
because the vendor, Express Sign and Neon , has fabricated and installed all Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve sign consistent with the Preserve Signage Plan. Additionally, this
vendor was used to install Park Entry Monument signs at City parks and City Entry
Monument Signs at entry points to the City, pursuant to the RFP process, all in the same
design and fashion as the Preserve Signage Plan. Utilizing this vendor will create
consistent, attractive, and effective signage. The sign materials installed by this vendor
have also shown to be compatible with the City’s coastal climate and are of high quality
and durability. This vendor additionally has the templates and artwork for the City’s signs
and is familiar with the attachment mechanisms for installation and repair. Moreover,
because a large part of this professional services agreement pertains to repair and
maintenance of existing signs, utilizing the original fabricator will ensure their proper
repair. Please see samples of City entry signs, park monument signs, and Preserve
regulatory signs in place on the following page:
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CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the City has been engaged in an effort to install attractive, effective,
consistent, and durable City entry signage, park monument signage, and Preserve and
trail signage throughout the City. This professional services agreement, in the amount of
$38,500, has been included within the 2024-25 fiscal year budget, and will repair and
replace eight City signs to improve wayfinding, aesthetics, and signage quality.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not award a professional services agreement to Express Sign & Neon and direct
Staff to seek proposals from other vendors.
2. Direct Staff not to replace or repair the proposed signs and explore other sign
options.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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