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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Pt. San Pedro Median Assessment District UpdateCITYn. 1� &4 QF Agenda Item No: 4 a Meeting Date: March 19, 2012 SAN RAFAEL CITY COtiNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: Public Works 4 �A�L" Prepared by: .-zCity Manager Approval: Director of Public Works File No.: 03.01.180 SUBJECT: Update on Point San Pedro Road Median Landscaping Assessment District RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and presentation BACKGROUND: On June 22, 2011 the City Council adopted Resolution 13181 establishing the Pt. San Pedro Road Median Landscaping Assessment District. The proposed improvements for the assessment district include the installation of infrastructure, irrigation, landscaping and related median facilities along Point San Pedro Road. There are currently twenty-nine existing median islands within the boundaries of the assessment district that are proposed to be improved and maintained. In addition, hardseape features such as pavers, decorative stone, stamped concrete and entrance monuments are being considered in areas that may not accommodate landscaping. Outside landscape architecture and engineering consulting services are required to move the project design forward. On November 21, 2011 the City Council authorized the Public Works Director to enter into an agreement with Abey Arnold Associates of San Rafael for design services. ANALYSIS: The Public Works Director established the project scope of work, goals and timelines, which included preparation of an infrastructure assessment, soil analysis, micro climate identification and a list of plants best suited for these areas and alternative design concepts. Staff conducted two public meetings to present consultant findings and receive input from residents on design concepts and approach. The project process is on the fast track and the goal is to meet the following timeline: • February 1, 2012 — Progress exhibits to City. • February 16, 2012 — First public meeting (Site constraints, vision & develop concept alternatives) • February 28, 2012 — Second public meeting (Update exhibits per previous public meeting). Present alternatives • March 19, 2012 — City Council meeting to approve concept plan. File No.: Council Meeting FOR CITY CLERK ONLY Disposition: `"` SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2 • April 2, 2012 — City Council adopts Plans, Specifications and Estimate and authorizes the Public Works Director to bid the project. • April 20, 2012 — Project bid opening. • April 30, 2012 City Council approval of award & instruct staff to acquire bonds. • May — City will sell bonds (to finance project) based on low bid. • June 20, 2012 — City Council awards contract after bonds are sold. • July to August 2012 — irrigation installation • September to October 2012 — planting installation Pt. San Pedro Median Landscaping Assessment District, Public Meeting, Feb. 16, 2012 The purpose of this meeting was to introduce plant species and design concepts for various micro -climate areas of Pt. San Pedro Road by the Abbey Arnold Associates. More than 50 residents representing various neighborhoods of the Pt. San Pedro peninsula attended. The design concepts were posted on the walls to provide residents with the opportunity to examine them and pose questions. We discussed the project history, timelines, and implementation steps. The design team presented the investigation and analysis they had undertaken such as soils testing, water meter confirmations, and a complete walk- through. They introduced appropriate plant species for various micro -climate areas with design alternatives that were based on the median landscaping committee's previous outreach to the community. The majority of the meeting was devoted to questions and answers, confirmation of the design team, and presentation of an aggressive timeline to implement the project. The attendees requested a uniform concept for the entire peninsula, and expressed their appreciation for the aggressive timeline to finish the design and construction by Fall 2012. The community had some conflicting design concept ideas that they had a chance to debate. We will refine the current design and explore some of their recommendations, such as planting palm trees at certain locations (previously not desired by the community) and meeting with the community on February 28`" Pt. San Pedro Median Landscaping Assessment District, Public Meeting, Feb.. 28, 2012 The purpose of this meeting was to follow up on the February 16, 2012 meeting and present the design concept modification, over-all design theme, and use of palm trees. After the first meeting, some residents expressed a desire to incorporate palm trees at some locations. Close to fifty residents attended the meeting. For some this was their first public meeting on this subject. Phil Abey, the landscape architect, recapped the first meeting, emphasizing the overwhelming desire to keep consistency of planting throughout the project, drought/deer resistant plants, smaller accent trees under areas with power lines, and larger canopy trees where there is sufficient space. Some attendees expressed concern about trees obstructing the view on flat areas with a view of the Bay. There are two monument signs proposed for installation on the medians at each end of the project boundary (one near Biscayne, and the other between Embarcadero and Marina Drive where there is adequate width). The sign should say "Pt. San Pedro Peninsula." The palm tree issue was discussed, and by show of hands a majority of the residents did not approve planting palm trees. Intersection sight distance and safety was discussed and staff emphasized that the median design would be based on providing adequate line of sight and safe crossing for all modes, including pedestrians and bicyclists where topography allows. The idea of planting annual flowers at the nose of the islands was discussed, and due to additional planting cost (estimated at $18,000 per year) plus maintenance cost, it may be cost prohibitive but will be considered. There is a strong community desire to plant trees or shrubs at certain roadside areas to complement median improvements. This will be looked into, and if feasible it will be incorporated in the project design. Samples of the river rock cobble stones at the nose of the islands were presented, and the architect recommended against utilizing the rocks from the nearby Mc'_vear's brick yard because of material consistency. This concluded the public meeting outreach and comments an the project design SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Pa2e: 3 Next step: The consultants are working expeditiously to complete the design to meet the timelines promised to residents. The work will be completed once the City Council accepts the report and directs staff to compelte the project as presented. We are also ready to issue and Request for Proposal for the annual assessment district report. FISCAL IMPACT: $1,750,000 will be available from the assessment district for design and construction, funded by the assessment district. OPTIONS: The Council may choose to not accept the report and direct the Public Works to revise design concepts, hold more public meetings to receive additional comments and bring the matter back to the City Council. ACTION REQUIRED: Accept report and presentation and direct the Public Works Director to proceed finalizing the project design as presented and discussed at this meeting. Enclosures: Copy of Presentation slides I Ir rM 01 .9 I M W, I i I a I I a A a 0 :3 0 CD T� Q. co 0 lb lb if IS co M. W 0 C)7 T I C) 0 c o� r sv 0 0 0 s) a rn :n 9 o �� �' � `�z� � r y � � W, I I �IN { \\ I I I m |16. f}k ! a a