Legislation Details

File #: HIST-23926    Version: 1 Subject:
Type: Historical Status: Action Item
In control: City Council Meeting Agenda
On agenda: 12/16/2013 Final action: 12/16/2013
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Application for Grant Funds in the Amount of $791,000 from the Baldwin Hills Conservancy for Proposition 84 Funding for Hetzler Road Pedestrian Trail Improvements.
Attachments: 1. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Application - A-1__13-12-16__PW-Adm__CITY COUNCIL__Grant Application Hetzler Trail Improvement - FINAL.pdf, 2. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Application - A-1__13-12-16__ATT__Grant Application Hetzler Trail Improvements.pdf
City of Culver City, California Agenda Item Report Meeting Date: 12/16/13 Item Number: A-1 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Application for Grant Funds in the Amount of $791,000 from the Baldwin Hills Conservancy for Proposition 84 Funding for Hetzler Road Pedestrian Trail Improvements. Contact Person/Dept.: Rudolph R. Galindo/PW Phone Number: (310) 253-5618 Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X] Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X] Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date: _______________ Public Notification: (E-mail) Agenda and Meetings – City Council (12/11/2013); (E-mail Baldwin Park Hills Conservancy (12/11/2013); (Hand Delivery) Residents of Hetzler Road (12/11/13) Department Approval: Charles. D. Herbertson (12/09/13) City Attorney Approval: Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (12/16/13) Chief Financial Officer Approval: Jeff Muir (12/10/13) City Manager Approval: John M. Nachbar (12/11/13) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving an application for grant funds from the Baldwin Hills Conservancy for Proposition 84 funding for Hetzler Road Pedestrian Trail Improvements. The grant amount to be requested is $791,000. BACKGROUND: The Baldwin Hills Conservancy (BHC) was established by the State of California to manage public lands within the Baldwin Hills area. BHC is currently accepting grant applications from local agencies to implement projects that protect the water quality of the Ballona Creek Watershed and provide linkages and trails in the Baldwin Hills Parklands. Funds for this grant program are made available through State Proposition 84 approved by the voters in 2006. There is a 25% funding match requirement to be eligible for the grant (which is available from non-City sources as outlined later in this report). The Public Works Department recently completed the construction of a BHC grant funded project to construct bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Jefferson Boulevard at Hetzler Road. Because of BHC’s favorable experience with the City relative to this project, BHC has requested the City apply for a grant for the construction of a pedestrian trail and associated improvements along Hetzler Road south of Jefferson Boulevard. City of Culver City, California Agenda Item Report The project is currently being designed by ALTA Landscape Architects under contract with the State of California’s Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks). The proposed Hetzler Road Pedestrian Trail Project area is within the State Parks Jurisdiction. Due to staffing constraints and other pressing projects, State Parks has informed us that construction of the project can be completed in a timelier manner with the City of Culver City as the lead agency. This is also a project that addresses concerns from Culver City residents along Hetzler Road and, therefore, it is in the interest of the City to see this project completed in an efficient manner. State Parks has expressed their support for the project as well as full responsibility for operation and maintenance of the trail upon completion of construction. DISCUSSION: Hetzler Road is a 24 feet wide private street that provides access to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook under State Parks jurisdiction and to six (6) Culver City residences. There are no sidewalks or pedestrian trails along the roadway. Since its opening in 2009, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook has become a popular destination for visitors from around the region who appreciate the scenic vistas, natural habitat, and recreational opportunities available in the park. On any given day there are many pedestrians and joggers who go up and down the steep Hetzler Road for exercise. Due to the absence of a separate pathway paralleling the roadway, these pedestrians often use the vehicular travel lanes thereby creating the potential for pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. The intent of this proposed project is to mitigate this conflict by providing pedestrians with the more attractive option of a separate, pedestrian-only trail. In addition, with the new trail in place, State Parks will post signage prohibiting use of the vehicular travel lanes by hikers and enforce such prohibition. The proposed project will construct a separate pedestrian walking and jogging trail approximately 10 feet wide and 1500 feet long. The trail starts near Jefferson Boulevard and terminates at a point beyond the last residential access from Hetzler Road. Construction of the colored concrete trail will include retaining walls to support the adjacent hillside, landscaping and irrigation, signage, fencing and appurtenant drainage improvements. FISCAL ANALYSIS: The amount being requested from the grant is $791,000 to cover all construction costs. The 25% required matching amount will be satisfied through the cost of the project planning and design funded by a contribution from the Mountains and City of Culver City, California Agenda Item Report Recreational Conservation Authority to State Parks. No expenditure of City funds is required. Preliminary Project Costs: Construction $610,000 Contingencies (10%) $ 61,000 Construction Management (15%) $ 90,000 City staff support (5%) $ 30,000 Total $791,000 A budget amendment will be requested if the grant request is approved. ATTACHMENT: 1. Proposed Resolution 2. Location Map 3. Letter from State of California Parks and Recreation Department MOTIONS: That the City Council Adopt a resolution approving an application for grant funds from the Baldwin Hills Conservancy for Proposition 84 funding for Hetzler Road Pedestrian Trail Improvements.