City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council 1) approve the final plans and specifications and
authorize advertising for bids for the Carson (Street) Street Improvement Project,
P-860; and 2) amend the Street Tree Master Plan (STMP) to change the designated
street tree from Australian Willow to Chinese Pistache along Carson Street from Ince
Boulevard and Higuera Street.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION:
The adopted Capital Improvement Program contains the Carson (Street) Street
Improvement Project, between Higuera Street and Ince Boulevard.
Carson Street from Ince Boulevard to Higuera Street is identified as a high priority for
street resurfacing in the Pavement Management Master Plan. The existing asphalt
pavement roadway is deteriorated due to age and the existing sidewalks, driveways,
curbs, and gutters are uplifted and/or cracked due to the existing street (Ficus) tree
roots.
The first phase of the Street Improvement was completed in 2004 when new
streetlights along Carson Street between Ince Boulevard and Higuera Street were
installed to upgrade and convert the existing streetlight system to low voltage. The
second phase of the project was completed in August 2007 when the sewer main and
sewer laterals were replaced.
Meeting Date: 1/28/08 Item Number: A-4
AGENDA ITEM: 1) Approval of the Final Plans and Specifications and Authorization
to Advertise for Bids for the Carson (Street) Street Improvement Project (Ince
Boulevard to Higuera Street); and 2) Authorization to Amend the Street Tree Master
Plan Designated Street Tree along Carson Street from Australian Willow to Chinese
Pistache.
Contact Person/Dept.: Lee Torres/PW Phone Number: 310.253.5623
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification:
Master Notification List via email on January 23
rd
All immediately affected residents of project site
and CBM Consulting, via First Class Postcard on January 21
st
Department Approval:
Charles D. Herbertson 01/16/2008
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (01/22/08)
Fiscal Impact Review:
Jeff Muir (by N. Kimball)(01/23/08)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (01/23/2008) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
The proposed project will consist of reconstructing the sidewalks, driveways, curbs,
gutters, and a 2-inch grind and overlay of new asphalt on the street.
Remove and Replace Existing Street (Ficus) Tree
Staff believes that the new improvements will be damaged within several years if the
existing Ficus trees remain. Therefore, as part of the street improvement project, staff
is proposing to remove all of the existing ficus trees along Carson Street and replace
them with Chinese Pistache.
Staff worked closely with the Carson Street residents between Higuera Street and
Ince Boulevard through several meetings regarding the replacement of the trees. On
July 13, 2007, an Advisory Survey was sent to all homeowners along the Carson
Street project limits to obtain opinions on the proposed removal and replacement of
the existing Ficus trees in their neighborhood. Of the twenty (27) advisory surveys
distributed, fourteen (14) of the homeowners responded that they opposed the
removal of the existing Ficus trees and planting of the designated street tree,
Australian Willow. Several homeowners recommended a community meeting be held
to discuss the matter further.
On August 8, 2007, a community meeting with the Carson Street residents was held to
discuss the advisory survey results. At the meeting, staff presented the reasons why
the Ficus trees should be removed as part of the upcoming street improvement
project. It was explained that in 2002, the Carson Street - Street Improvement Project,
between Higuera Street and its northerly terminus was constructed and that now
damages are occurring on the street pavements, sidewalks, driveways, curb and
gutters due to the Ficus trees’ roots. The homeowners were encouraged to visit the
neighboring street personally and observe the new damages occurring to the street.
Staff recommended to the residents that it is not in the best interest of the City to
expend City funds for these repairs while keeping the Ficus trees as damages to the
new hardscape will appear in several years.
After discussions, it was agreed by the majority of the homeowners at the meeting that
the City should provide a list of recommended replacement trees that meet the Street
Tree Master Plan (STMP) criteria.
At another community meeting held on October 9, 2007, staff obtained comments
regarding the format of the advisory survey and the following five (5) street trees:
1. Chinese Pistache (Pistachia chinensis)
2. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
3. Jacaranda (Jacaranda Mimosifolia)
4. Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilior) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
5. Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
On October 25, 2007, twenty-seven (27) advisory surveys were mailed to all the
homeowners and included the aforementioned five (5) street trees, along with
pertinent information on each tree.
On November 2, 2007, fifteen (15) completed advisory surveys were returned. Ten
(10) of the Surveys supported the removal and replacement of the Ficus trees. The
homeowners who supported the removal and replacement of the street trees were
requested as part of the advisory survey to place the five recommended street trees in
the order of preference. From the five (5) street trees provided, the Chinese Pistache
received the most favorable support from the survey.
On November 16, 2007, the homeowners were notified via letter of the advisory
survey results.
On January 3, 2008, as prescribed by the STMP amendment process, staff presented
and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended approving amending the
Street Tree Master Plan to change the designated street tree along Carson Street
between Higuera Street and Ince Boulevard from the Australian Willow to the Chinese
Pistache.
Design
Under Engineering Division staff supervision, CBM Consulting prepared the
construction plans and specifications for the street improvement of this project.
Public Notification
All Carson Street residents between Ince Boulevard and Higuera Street were mailed a
notification postcard on January 21, 2008. The postcard is attached for your
reference.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is no fiscal impact associated with approving the final plans and specifications
for this project. Advertising for bids in the appropriate adjudicated newspaper will cost
approximately $400 Once bids have been received and reviewed, more information
regarding the proposed cost of the project and funds available to complete the project
will be provided.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
ATTACHMENTS:
• Location Map
• Advisory Survey
MOTIONS:
That the City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for Carson (Street) Street Improvement
Project, P-860;
2. Authorize advertising for bids for the Carson (Street) Street Improvement Project,
P-860; and
3. Amend the Street Tree Master Plan to change the designated street tree from
Australian Willow to Chinese Pistache on Carson Street between Ince Boulevard
and Higuera Street.