title
CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Receipt and Discussion of a Preliminary Report from Johnson Favaro Regarding the Future of Veterans Memorial Park and Bill Botts Fields at Culver City Park; and (2): If Desired, Direction to the City Manager Regarding the Preliminary Report, including Next Steps, Options, and Additional Surveys, Studies and/or Reports that may be Needed as a Result of the Feasibility Study.
body
Meeting Date: December 11, 2023
Contact Person/Dept: Jesse Mays/ City Manager’s Office
Adam Ferguson/ PRCS
Phone Number: City Manager’s Office - (310) 253-6000
PRCS - (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (12/05/2023)
Department Approval: Ted Stevens, PRCS Director (11/16/2023)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council (1) receive and discuss a preliminary report from Johnson Favaro regarding the future of Veterans Memorial Park and Bill Botts Fields at Culver City Park; and (2) if desired, provide direction to the City Manager regarding the preliminary report, including next steps, options, and additional surveys, studies and/or reports that may be needed as a result of the Feasibility Study.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council Meeting on May 8, 2023, the City Council directed staff to proceed with an expedited request for proposals (RFP) for a feasibility study for Bill Botts Fields and Veterans Memorial Park (to include Veterans Memorial Building, the Plunge, and other structures at the site). A park feasibility study is a financial study that determines the viability of a specific park and/or facility. The study can include a vision for the park and/or facility, what the organizational success looks like for the park and/or facility, and the community needs in support of the project. An assessment of the park and/or facility would take place and recommendations for needed changes would be offered. A feasibility study that presents a variety of options, such as 1) general cosmetic changes; 2) a medium upgrade with invasive changes and some renovations; and, 3) a full overhaul of the park and/or facility) would allow the City Council to compare and eventually choose a cost level that it believes will be feasible and acceptable to the community, should the City Council seek to move forward with the improvements.
Evaluation criteria for the feasibility study consultant included demonstrated understanding of the project’s objectives, scope, and goals; qualifications and experience with similar projects; cost; efforts to service underrepresented populations and disabled communities; and efforts to identify and apply creative, non-traditional, and diverse opportunities for community engagement. Johnson Favaro was rated highest overall based on the criteria. Staff presented its recommendations to the City Council on August 14, 2023, and City Council approved Johnson Favaro to be the consultant on the project.
Johnson Favaro divided their work into three stages: Discovery, Options and Recommendations. During the Discovery Stage, the principals in charge of the project met with various groups that included sports organizations, arts organizations, facility user groups, non-profits, the Culver City Historical Society, City staff, and the Ad Hoc City Council Subcommittee, comprised of Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien. On October 19, 2023, the first community meeting was held in the Veterans Memorial Building auditorium allowing community members to provide input on the future of these sites. In addition, the community was able to provide feedback through an online survey that opened on October 5, 2023, and closed on December 1, 2023.
DISCUSSION
Now in the Options Stage of their project, Johnson Favaro has met with City staff to discuss and analyze the various options that can be included at each site. On December 9, 2023, the second community meeting was held at the Veterans Memorial Building auditorium to receive input from the community about the options and concepts that Johnson Favaro will be presenting.
Representatives from the design firm Johnson Favaro will be present to discuss the options for Veterans Memorial Park, Veterans Memorial Building and Bill Botts Fields at Culver City Park and to hear feedback about these options from members of the City Council.
In addition to the Feasibility Study, Johnson Favaro has mentioned that certain studies will be needed that are outside the scope of the Feasibility Study. These studies may include but are not necessarily limited to:
• a Market Research Study to determine the potential for market success for an amphitheater at Bill Botts Fields.
• an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
• a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Report
• a structural engineer’s report for Veterans Memorial Building.
PRCS staff has reached out to a few agencies for unofficial estimates for the Market Research Study report. This type of study can range in price from $40,000-$142,000. Staff is researching the costs for other studies and will bring those costs forward pending City Council direction.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion and direction regarding this item. Throughout both the Discovery Stage and the Options Stage, Johnson Favaro has mentioned that the City may need to invest in various reports. There is currently no additional funding allocated to this project. If desired, the City Council can direct staff to bring back additional information, including costs for other surveys, studies and/or reports needed for Veterans Memorial Building and other project elements, including associated costs and a related budget amendment, which would require a four-fifths vote.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Receive and discuss a preliminary report from Johnson Favaro regarding the Future of Veterans Memorial Park and Bill Botts Fields at Culver City Park; and
2. If desired, provide direction to the City Manager regarding the preliminary report, including next steps, options, and additional surveys, studies and/or reports that may be needed as a result of the Feasibility Study.