Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.C
Meeting Date: April 22, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Public Works Small Maintenance and Renovation Projects Update RECOMMENDATION:
The Public Works Small Maintenance and Renovation Projects Update is presented for information, discussion, and direction only.
BACKGROUND:
In November 2025, staff presented an overview of the City’s Landscaping and Lighting District (LLD), median, parkway, and retention basin renovation efforts, including program history, completed improvements, and long-term goals.
As discussed at that time, the Public Works Maintenance and Environmental Divisions have implemented a phased approach to addressing aging landscape infrastructure citywide, with a focus on water conservation, reduced maintenance costs, and improved community aesthetics.
This item represents the second program update to City Council and is intended to provide:
A status update on ongoing maintenance and renovation efforts. Progress on previously identified areas.
An overview of upcoming projects as funding and staffing allow.
Staff intends to continue providing periodic updates to ensure transparency and to allow for Council input as priorities evolve.
DISCUSSION:
Public Works continues to implement small-scale maintenance and renovation projects across LLDs, medians, parkways, and retention basins. These projects are typically completed using a combination of in-house staff and contractor support and are prioritized based on site conditions, available funding, and operational needs.
Efforts remain focused on transitioning to more sustainable landscape materials, improving durability in high-wind and high-use areas, and addressing ongoing maintenance challenges such as sand accumulation, irrigation inefficiencies, and the aging condition of landscape infrastructure.
CURRENT UPDATE – APRIL 2026
Projects are organized below by status to provide a clear distinction between completed work, ongoing efforts, and next-phase improvements. The following sections provide a detailed update by project category.
RETENTION BASINS
Completed / In Progress:
Cypress Basin:
Two access gates into basin were replaced. Due to the non-standard size and configuration of the entry points, replacement gates were fabricated in-house rather than purchased. The basin is located within a residential neighborhood, and the improvements have enhanced both functionality and appearance.
Bob Hope / Varner Basin:
Grading is underway as part of routine maintenance. This location is within a high-wind zone and requires more frequent grading compared to other basins. La Paloma Basin (behind Da Vall Drive):
The basin requires reconstruction following damage sustained during Tropical Storm Hilary.
Budget and Funding Summary (Retention Basins):
The following table summarizes funding sources and associated costs for retention basin projects. Materials are funded through the Public Works Maintenance budget (Fund 100- 400-410-411-8200-8201), with labor performed by Public Works staff and supplemented by contractor support as needed.
Location Project Description Project Cost
Cypress 2 Access Gates Replaced $13,000 (materials & contractor) Bob Hope Grading In-House Labor
La Paloma Reconstruction In-House Labor
Upcoming / Next Steps:
Cypress Basin:
Expand the outlet along Santoro to improve drainage capacity and basin performance.
This project is being managed by the Engineering Division.
Funding Source:
Gas Tax: 241-400-460-461-8300-8302, 50%
Measure A: 243-400-460-462-8300-8302, 50%.
Project Cost: $101,076
San Ardo & Medano Basins:
Evaluate the use of surplus decorative gravel and decomposed granite (DG) from prior projects to enhance the perimeter appearance of the basins. These locations are situated within residential neighborhoods, making aesthetic improvements an important consideration for adjacent properties.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) for 100%
Estimated Cost: $10,000 per basin
LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING DISTRICTS (LLDs)
The following provides a summary of recently completed improvements and upcoming projects within the City’s Landscaping and Lighting (LLDs), focused on maintenance, safety, and long-term sustainability.
Completed Projects:
Century LLD 16:
30th Street and Da Vall Drive: removal of dead vegetation, clearing of sand accumulation, irrigation repairs, installation of new plant material, and perimeter wall repairs.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) for 60% / LLD Fund (261) for 40% Project Cost: $18,510
La Paloma LLD 2:
Installation of large angular rock to improve resistance to windblown sand, along with new plantings and uplighting to enhance the community sign at the corner of Da Vall Drive and 30th Street.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) for 100%
Project Cost: $8,765
Landau Homes & Landau Manor (LLDs 15 & 18):
Installation of four community monument signs at neighborhood entrances and perimeter lighting to improve safety and visibility. The Environmental Conservation Fund covered the cost of the monument fabrication and installation. LLD funds covered engraving of each community sign name and additional perimeter lighting along the walking path.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) for 60% / LLD Fund (261) for 40% Project Cost Landau Homes: $17,465
Project Cost Landau Manor: $17,465
Upcoming / Next Steps:
The LLD projects identified below include several projects with funding available across both fiscal years and are scheduled for completion during June and July using a combination of current and upcoming fiscal year appropriations.
Century LLD 16:
Repair deteriorating wall sections along 30 th Street from Santoro Road to Margate Way and reestablish landscaping, including installation of five new shade trees to replace those lost. Environmental funds will cover the cost of the replacement trees.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) / LLD Fund (261)
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: $20,000
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: $15,000
La Paloma LLD 2:
Continued slope stabilization efforts along 30th Street and Da Vall Drive to reduce erosion through installation of large rock and decorative gravel. LLD funds will cover labor costs, and Environmental Conservation Fund will cover materials.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) / LLD Fund (261)
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: $20,000
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: $20,000
Tapestry LLD 5:
Removal of windblown sand accumulation, installation of new plant material, and perimeter wall repair and repainting. Environmental funds may be used to support plant replacement and irrigation improvements as part of water conservation efforts.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) / LLD Fund (261)
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: $20,000
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: $16,000
Landau Homes & Manor Corridor:
Add plant material and/or colored gravel to improve visual interest along the corridor.
Funding Source:
LLD Fund (261)
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: $35,000
Alicante LLD 19:
Replenish large angular rock and refresh decomposed granite (DG) and decorative gravel along the perimeter. Repair and repaint additional wall segments as needed.
Funding Source:
LLD Fund (261)
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: $35,000
Santoro Estates:
Thin existing plant material, add DG or colored gravel, and evaluate removal of wall- adjacent plantings to address underlying maintenance concerns. Environmental funds may be used to support water conservation improvements and address concerns related to overgrown vegetation impacting visibility and aesthetics.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246) / LLD Fund (261)
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: $20,000
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: $10,000
Vista Del Rey LLD 1:
Removal of accumulated sand, burial of exposed irrigation lines, and perimeter wall repairs. Plant material will be replaced as needed, and decorative ground cover will be installed to improve durability and aesthetics.
Funding Source:
LLD Fund (261)
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: $10,000
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: $10,000
Funding Approach Clarification
The City’s long-term strategy is for LLDs to become financially self-sufficient. However, some LLDs continue to receive supplemental support from the Environmental Conservation Fund (246) due to limited reserve balances.
Environmental funding is strategically used to support improvements that align with broader City goals, including water conservation, sustainability, and waste reduction (AB 939 compliance), while allowing LLDs time to build adequate reserves for long-term maintenance and capital needs.
PARKWAYS & MISCELLANEOUS LOCATIONS
Completed Project Update
Patriot Park Perimeter:
This project was included within the last update. An ongoing issue that is affecting the newly renovated landscape is gopher activity which continues to create soil mounding within landscaped areas, making the area appear unmaintained. Mitigation efforts are underway.
Upcoming / Next Steps
Dinah Shore & Vaquero Parkway:
Evaluate installation of solar uplighting and shade tree planting.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246)
Estimated Project Cost: $20,000
Public Works Yard:
Renovate perimeter landscaping using recycled materials and drought-tolerant plantings.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246)
Estimated Project Cost: $10,000
MEDIANS
Completed Projects
Citywide:
Brick staining has been completed across all medians.
Funding Source:
Gas Tax (241) & Measure A (243); labor completed by Public Works staff.
Project Cost: $7,000
Date Palm & Vista Chino:
Decorative rock upgrades, irrigation repairs, and additional palm plantings.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund (246)
Project Cost: $19,000
Upcoming / Next Steps
Date Palm near Ramon (Applebee’s/Carl’s Jr.):
Replace stressed plant material, enhance decorative rock, and incorporate low- maintenance landscape materials.
Funding Source:
Environmental Conservation Fund
Estimated Project Cost: $15,000
FUTURE PROJECTS
Staff will continue to evaluate funding availability throughout the fiscal year and advance additional projects as feasible.
The attached Renovation Schedule Log provides a comprehensive overview of completed and planned work.
Community Outreach
Public Works has enhanced its efforts to communicate with residents regarding neighborhood projects. Staff regularly engage directly with residents in the field and through the Public Works office, and feedback is documented and incorporated into the renovation log for consideration.
For larger or more impactful projects, the city will implement targeted outreach, including neighborhood mailers, to ensure residents are informed in advance. These efforts are intended to improve transparency and reduce concerns regarding awareness of ongoing work.
Project priorities may be shifted based on funding, staffing, and field conditions.
The Public Works Department remains committed to:
Providing regular updates to City Council.
Improving system efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Enhancing community aesthetics and public spaces.
Prioritizing sustainability and water conservation.
Maximizing the use of available resources.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No additional fiscal impact. Projects are funded through existing appropriations as identified above.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
This item supports the City's Five-Year Strategic Plan goals related to infrastructure maintenance, neighborhood enhancement, and sustainability by improving public spaces, reducing long-term maintenance costs, and promoting water efficient landscaping practices.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Renovation Schedule
2. PW Small Projects Map