DATE: July 20, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
FROM: Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director
Frank Fanara, Parks Manager
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: REVIEW AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON PROPOSED DESIGN
CONCEPTS FOR THE CITY HALL, POLICE STATION, AND FIRE
STATION LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CIP 301-
720)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council, by Minute Order, review the proposed landscape design concepts and provide direction on the preferred design concept, project scope, the future of the existing City Hall fountains, and the overall implementation strategy for the Civic Center Landscaping Improvements Project.
The purpose of this report is to obtain Council direction before final design is completed, ensuring the project reflects Council priorities and providing staff with clear direction before preparing construction documents and proceeding to bid.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Hall, Police Station, and Fire Station Landscaping Improvements Project is included in the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP 301-720) to modernize the Civic Center landscape and repurpose the non-operational water features, which have remained inactive for nearly a decade because of drought-related water restrictions. In addition, the project would replace outdated and non-functional landscape areas with climate-appropriate, low-maintenance plantings, modernize aging irrigation systems with water-efficient infrastructure, and support compliance with Senate Bill 1383 requirements related to the irrigation of non-functional turf at public facilities. The City is evaluating landscape improvements throughout the Civic Center campus, including the areas surrounding City Hall, the Police Station, and the Fire Station. The project is
intended to create a more attractive and cohesive civic landscape while advancing the City's goals for sustainability, water conservation, and reduced long-term maintenance costs.
Staff worked with Verde Design to develop conceptual landscape plans organized into four primary improvement zones to provide flexibility in implementation and allow the project to be completed in phases if desired by the City Council. To assist Council in evaluating potential design directions, two distinct landscape concepts were prepared, each reflecting a different aesthetic approach while meeting the project's functional and sustainability objectives. The four project zones include:
• Fountain Renovation Area (City Hall Frontage)
• North Planting Zone
• South Planting Zone
• Hillsdale Boulevard Planting Zone
The project is included in the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP 301-720) and was originally funded at $200,000 for design and initial improvements. A portion of this funding has been utilized for conceptual design services provided by Verde Design, with $175,800 remaining available for implementation.
On March 23, 2026, the City Council approved the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, which included an additional $550,000 for project implementation. With this additional funding, the project is now positioned to advance from conceptual planning into implementation. Preliminary cost estimates indicate that completing all planned project zones will require approximately $215,000 to $740,000, depending on the final project scope and delivery method.
Staff seeks City Council direction on the preferred design concept and project scope so the project can proceed into final design, preparation of construction documents, and the competitive bidding process.
BACKGROUND
The Civic Center campus, including City Hall, the Police Station, and the Fire Station, represents a central and highly visible component of the community. While functional, the existing landscaping has aged, and re-design presents opportunities for modernization, improved aesthetics, and increased efficiency.
This project is included in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP 301-720) with an original budget of $200,000. A portion of this funding has been utilized for conceptual design services provided by Verde Design, with $175,800 remaining available for implementation.
The existing landscape and irrigation systems are approaching the end of their service life and no longer operate efficiently. Replacing them with modern, water-efficient, and sustainable infrastructure will improve system performance, reduce water consumption, and support the City's long-term sustainability goals. In addition, recent California legislation requiring the removal of non-functional (passive) turf in public landscapes further supports the proposed improvements, which will replace water-intensive landscaping with drought-tolerant plantings and modern, high-efficiency irrigation systems. The City Hall campus also includes two decorative fountain features that have remained non-operational for more than a decade following statewide drought-related water conservation measures. As part of this project, staff evaluated concepts that would repurpose these areas into functional public spaces while also recognizing that Council may wish to consider restoration of one or both fountains. At this time, restoration costs have not been evaluated and would require additional investigation.
ANALYSIS
Staff worked with Verde Design to develop conceptual landscape plans for the Civic Center campus, including the frontages of City Hall, the Police Station, and the Fire Station. The proposed improvements have been organized into four primary project zones, as shown in Attachment 1, to provide flexibility in implementation and allow the project to be completed in phases if desired by the City Council.
The four project zones include:
• Fountain Renovation Area (City Hall Frontage)
• North Planting Zone
• South Planting Zone
• Hillsdale Boulevard Planting Zone
Across all concepts, the proposed improvements include the removal of outdated and non-functional landscape areas, replacement of aging irrigation infrastructure with modern water-efficient irrigation systems, and installation of climate-appropriate, low- maintenance plant material. The proposed landscape palette emphasizes sustainability, reduced water consumption, long-term durability, and ease of maintenance while supporting compliance with State requirements related to the removal of non-functional turf.
Design Concepts
In addition to establishing the overall project scope, Verde Design prepared a cohesive landscape concept for the Civic Center campus. The proposed design utilizes climate- appropriate, low-maintenance plant materials and water-efficient irrigation systems while introducing a more naturalistic landscape character through flowing planting areas, curved edges, and mass groupings of plant material.
The proposed landscape concept creates a softer, park-like environment intended to provide a more welcoming appearance while complementing the architecture and existing character of the Civic Center campus.
Council direction is requested regarding whether to advance the proposed landscape concept and whether staff should proceed with the proposed repurposing of the existing fountain areas or evaluate the feasibility and cost of restoring one or both fountains.
Council direction will allow staff to refine the project scope and proceed with final design and construction documents.
City Hall Fountain Features
The City Hall campus includes two decorative fountain features that have remained non- operational for more than a decade following statewide drought-related water conservation measures. As part of the conceptual design process, Verde Design developed plans that repurpose these inactive features into functional civic spaces.
Under the proposed concepts:
• The larger fountain would be converted into a raised landscape planter featuring several signature trees to create a prominent focal point within the Civic Center. • The smaller fountain would be removed and replaced with decorative paving, shade structures, seating, and outdoor furnishings to create a flexible gathering space for employees and visitors.
Staff recognizes that Council may also wish to consider restoring one or both fountain features to operation. At this time, the condition of the existing fountain infrastructure has not been fully evaluated, and restoration costs have not been determined. Should Council express interest in restoring the fountains, staff would return with a technical evaluation, estimated repair costs, and recommendations prior to proceeding with final design.
Project Implementation
Because the project has been organized into four independent improvement zones, Council has flexibility in determining the desired project scope.
Implementation options include:
• Full implementation of all four project zones.
• Phased implementation beginning with the Fountain Renovation Area and additional planting zones completed as funding or priorities allow. • A reduced project scope focusing on selected zones or improvements.
Preliminary Construction Costs
Verde Design prepared preliminary construction cost estimates for each project zone based on the current level of design. Estimated construction costs are summarized below:
• Fountain Renovation Area – approximately $215,000
• North Planting Zone – approximately $156,000
• South Planting Zone – approximately $123,000
• Hillsdale Boulevard Planting Zone – approximately $243,000 Total construction costs for full implementation are estimated to range between approximately $700,000 and $740,000 depending on final design selections, bid pricing, and material choices.
Council direction regarding the preferred landscape concept, desired project scope, and the future of the City Hall fountain features will allow staff to complete the final design documents and proceed with project implementation.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This item is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq. and the CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs. §§ 15000 et. seq.), including without limitation, Public Resources Code section 21065 and California Code of Regulations 15378 as this item only seeks direction from the Council and is not taking any discretionary action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project was originally funded through CIP 301-720 with an appropriation of $200,000 for design and initial project development. Following completion of conceptual design services, approximately $177,915 remains available.
On March 23, 2026, City Council adopted the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, which included an additional appropriation of $550,000 in FY 2026-27 for this project, bringing the total available funds to approximately $667,915 ($177,915 + $500,000).
Preliminary construction cost estimates prepared by Verde Design indicate full implementation of all project zones is expected to range between $700,000 and $740,000, depending on final design selections and market conditions. A supplemental appropriation will be requested at the time of construction contract award to ensure the project is fully funded.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Facilities and Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – Civic Center Landscape Improvement Zones Attachment 2 – Organic Landscape Design
Attachment 3 – Project Cost Estimates
Attachment 4 – Council Meeting Presentation