NOTICE AND AGENDA
FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, MEETINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER N- 15-21, WHICH ALLOWS MEETINGS TO BE VIDEOCONFERENCED WITHOUT PROVIDING A PHYSICAL LOCATION. TO PROVIDE COMMENTS
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mayor of the City of Norwalk has called special closed and open meetings of the City Council beginning at 6:00 p.m. on February 22, 2022 in the City Council Chambers at Norwalk City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, CA and via videoconference . Speakers at this meeting are limited to speak only on the items listed on the following agenda:
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ramirez
ROLL CALL City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
I. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8: Assessor Parcel Number 8045-008-902; Negotiating on behalf of the City: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Negotiating Party: State of California; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
II. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.8: Assessor Parcel Number 8082-013-905; Negotiating on behalf of the City: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager; Negotiating Party: United States Air Force; Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
RECESS
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after it has been posted will also be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Department.
Public Comment: The public is encouraged to address the City Council on any matter listed on the agenda.
Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the City Clerk’s office, (562) 929- 5720. Assisted listening devices are available at this meeting. Ask the City Clerk if you desire to use this device. Upon request, the agenda and documents in the agenda packet, can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability.
Notification of at least 12 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
REPORTS
1. NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATE – CITY PROJECT NO. 7859 - Staff is seeking feedback on the draft vision of the project.
2. PARK PROJECTS UPDATE - Staff recommends City Council:
a. approve moving forward with budget-approved projects where applicable; b. prioritize future projects; and
c. provide staff direction for Citywide Master Park Design Plan.
ADJOURNMENT
I, Theresa Devoy, City Clerk, hereby certify that the foregoing notice of special meeting was posted at City Hall not less than 24- hours before the start of the meeting and delivered to each member of the Norwalk City Council and to the following newspapers:
Herald American, Cerritos Community News, Norwalk Patriot, and Whittier Daily News, all on the 17 th day of February 2022.
Theresa Devoy, CMC
City Clerk
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: John P. Ramirez, AICP, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: NORWALK TRANSIT VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATE – CITY PROJECT NO. 7859
Background:
The former C alifornia Youth Authority project site (13200 Bloomfield Avenue) is approximately 32 acres and is surrounded by residential development to the north, west, and south, and Zimmerman Park and the Metrolink rail line to the east. Given the surrounding uses and the close proximity to transit, there is a great opportunity to develop a transit-oriented eco community by redeveloping this site with diverse housing choices while providing significant neighborhood amenities , including a direct connection to the transit line. In order to create a project that is inclusive and reflects the Norwalk community, the project team has kicked off public outreach efforts and incorporated the feedback received into a developing vision and conceptual site plan for the Norwalk Transit Village. This item is an update and status report of that vision and concept plan.
Discussion
With COVID-19 and the emergence of the Omicron variant, to date the majority of the public outreach that has been conducted was virtual. However, there were two in-person outreach events, which drew significant interest from the community . An interactive Farmer’s Market booth and an informal series of presentations to members of the City’s various commissions took place in January 2022 and Febr uary 2022. In addition, a steering committee made up of community residents and other stakeholders was formed to help provide additional insight into the future development of the site.
A summary of the community engagement efforts to date are summarized below:
· Project website launched: www.NorwalkTransitVillage.com · Nine social media posts across three platforms with over 200 engagements · Three email blasts to over 1,100 residents surrounding the site City Council Agenda Report
February 22, 2022
City Council February 22, 2022
Norwalk Transit Village Project Update Page No. 2
· Three text message blasts to over 1,900 residents surrounding the site · Over 10 stakeholder meetings that engaged about 50 people · Over 500 mailers and surveys sent to neighboring stakeholders · Connected with over 200 residents at the Farmer’s Market
Community Feedback
Generally, the community had a positive reaction to the projec t and has voiced support for building more affordable housing in Norwalk and improving connectivity between the project site to Zimmerman Park and the Metrolink Station. Suggestions regarding the commercial portion of the project included grocery options as well as food and beverage options that keep people in the community instead of traveling to neighboring cities.
The following key elements and themes have been identified for project consideration by the community:
· Preservation and enhancement of Zimmerman Park
· Improved connectivity to Zimmerman Park and Metrolink Station · New community park
· Community-oriented commercial uses
· Adequate buffers from surrounding properties
· Palette of housing types and affordable housing
· Multimodal streets and varying street types
Next Steps
The project team will continue to incorporate the public feedback received, the goals of a transit-oriented eco village, and State requirements from both the California Department of Housing and Community Development and Surplus Land Act into a vision and draft plans for the Norwalk Transit Village. Once a land plan is established, the project team will kick off the specific plan and environmental analysis of the project. The entitlements are expected to be approved in early Spring 2023.
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Citizens Advised: N/A
Strategic Plan 2021 Implementation:
The recommended action will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 3: Partner with our stakeholders to create and sustain a resilient and economically prosperous city with opportunity for everyone as it would build a great public destination.
City Council February 22, 2022
Norwalk Transit Village Project Update Page No. 3
Recommended Action:
Staff is seeking feedback on the draft vision of the project.
Attachments: N/A
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Glen W. C. Kau, P.E., Director of Public Services /City Engineer Christine Roberto, Public Services Manager
Raymond Velasco, Principal Civil Engineer
Erin Burke, Acting Recreation Superintendent
Rosie Lozoya, Acting Recreation Superintendent
Mario Mera, Engineering Consultant
SUBJECT: PARK PROJECTS UPDATE
Background:
The City operates and maintains 12 parks citywide. Currently, there are park projects at several parks in various stages of work, from requested funding/waiting for notification, to design, to construction. Each park provides opportunities and challenges , with s taff always looking for new funding sources for additional projects and upgrades. Each park is listed below with funded and proposed projects, as well as requested funding sources, and future projects which require funding.
Bob White Park
Bob White Park includes the Shoshonean Campsite, a basketball court, a playground, horseshoe pits, and a picnic area. The campsite is rented four to six times per year from various groups, and portable restrooms are provided as part of the rental fee.
In November 2021, City Council approved moving forward with the installation of a restroom building and dog park through Proposition (Prop) 68 per capita funds. The funds are administered by the State in the form of a grant and an application was submitted for $243,000, and it is anticipated that the funding approval will be received in the coming weeks.
Additionally, a funding request of $450,000 was submitted in May 2021 to Senator Archuleta’s office to construct a playground, provide Americans wi th Disabilities (ADA) City Council Agenda Report
February 22, 2022
City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 2
upgrades, picnic areas, benches, trash cans, and installation of lighting for the basketball court.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Installation of parking lot lighting $100,000
· LED lighting for campsite and dog park $ 60,000
· Installation of block wall along the railroad for campsite and park $ 94,000
Approved budget funding: $0
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $693,000
Future projects funding requests: $254,000
Gerdes Park
Gerdes Park provides ballfields, handball and basketball courts, playground, spray pool, and MPR building. Ballfield lighting will be added to the main ballfield at the park. Design work is being completed and the project is due to be bid in late spring . Capital Improvement Project (CIP) No. 7365 has $300,000 budgeted for this project. This project will increase play time capacity of three to four hours per day, five to six days per week for the leagues.
Funding of $7,000 is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021/22 budget for laser leveling of the ballfield, which is a maintenance item and will be completed in the coming months.
A new playground was installed in 2014. Additional r ehabilitation work in recent years includes remodeling of restrooms, painting of the handball courts, a sports-themed mural added to the back side of the courts, painting of the basketball court surface, and addition of picnic areas.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Convert spray pool to splash pad to allow for use $ 25,000 · Replacement of scoreboard $ 12,000
· Remodel snack bar and add grease interceptor $ 65,000 · Pour N Play surface for playground $ 75,000
· Install block wall at parking lot/apartments, update landscaping $ 31,000
Approved budget funding: $307,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $208,000
City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 3
Glazier Park
Glazier Park amenities include a basketball court, playground, and shaded picnic area.
Improvements in recent years include t he addition of an art piece in 2014, a new playground in 2017, a park monument sign, remodeling of restrooms, and rehabilitation of the covered picnic area on the north side of the park.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Installation of pergola for BBQ area adjacent to building $ 20,000 · Pour N Play surface for playground $ 75,000
· Add block wall to Excelsior Greenbelt residential area $ 60,000
Approved budget funding: $0
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $155,000
Holifield Park
Holifield Park provides three baseball fields, two playgrounds, basketball court, two snack bars, and restroom/maintenance facilities. One of the playgrounds was recently replaced, funded through the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors at the request of Supervisor Janice Hahn. Due to the placement of the playground, a large open area was created which has been evaluat ed for installation of a skate park similar in size to the existing location at Norwalk Park that is being removed. The area would be highly visible from Excelsior Drive and would be near the Recreation building, providing staff the ability to monitor the skate park when the park is staffed.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Installation of concrete skate park $700,000
· Replace roof for main snack bar $100,000
· Replace second playground near ballfields $400,000 · Upgrade walkway lights to LED $ 40,000
· Convert ballfield lighting to LED $450,000
· Parking lot slurry seal (dependent on Tank Farm development) $ 75,000
Approved budget funding: $0
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $1,765,000
City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 4
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park has two ballfields, a snack bar, and a playground. Restrooms were remodeled several years ago and landscaped planters were added to the park.
Funding of $14,000 is approved in the FY 2021/22 budget for laser leveling of ballf ields at the park, which will be completed in the coming months.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Installation of ballfield lighting – 2 fields $750,000 · Pour N Play surface for playground $ 75,000
Approved budget funding: $14,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $825,000
New River Park
New River Park provides a small restroom/activity building, a walking path, and a playground. In 2020, a monument sign was add ed to the southwest corner of the park.
Other recent i mprovements include remodeling of restrooms and landscape upgrades .
Work is also ongoing to replace walkway areas that have damaged concrete.
A funding request for $300,000 was submitted in May 2021 to Senator Archuleta’s office to construct a new playground.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Installation of Pergola picnic area $ 40,000
Approved budget funding: $0
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $300,000
Future projects funding requests: $40,000
Ramona Park
Ramona Park has a playground, large covered picnic area, basketball court, activity room, handball court area, and a ballfield.
Funding of $7,000 is approved in the FY 2021/22 budget for laser leveling of the ballfield at the park, which will be completed in the coming months.
City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 5
In addition to remodeling of restrooms and painting of the handball courts, the playground was replaced in 2016, and in 2020, a monument sign was added to the east entrance of the park.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Installation of ballfield lights $350,000
· Pour N Play surface for playground $ 75,000
· Installation of shade pergola adjacent to building $ 30,000
Approved budget funding: $7,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $455,000
Sara Mendez Park
Sara Mendez Park provides an activity room, two restroom facilities, a walking path with picnic and exercise s tation areas, and a splash pad. Due to construction of the I -5 freeway, the City received funds from Caltrans to offset the area that was utilized for construction. Several improvements were completed at the park, including installation of fitness equipment and picnic table areas around the walking track, concrete work, and landscaping improvements. A balance of $100,000 remains and staff are evaluating the expansion of the patio area to accommodate larger groups for rentals. The work will include a pergola area, additional picnic tables, and a built in patio BBQ/serving station.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Replace damaged splash pad controller $ 5,000
Approved budget funding: $100,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $5,000
Vista Verde Park
Vista Verde Park provides an activity building, playground, splash pad, handball courts, and a basketball court. Recent improvements to the park include additional picnic areas, refurbishment of the artwork near the splash pad, painting of the handball courts, and installation of a park monument sign in 2016.
A funding request for $350,000 was submitted in May 2021 to Senator Archuleta’s office to construct a new playground.
City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 6
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· LED lighting upgrades for basketball court and playground $ 25,000 · Addition of a shaded pergola to the building $ 12,000 · Installation of a block wall along the north end of the park $138,000 along the railroad
Approved budget funding: $0
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $350,000
Future projects funding requests: $175,000
Zimmerman Park
Zimmerman Park is utilized as a sports park. It has three ballfields, a snack bar, a playground, and a small basketball court. The snack bar and restrooms were remodeled, along with the addition of a walking path at the park, and installation of fitness equipment.
Funding of $21,000 is included in the FY 2021/22 budget for laser leveling of the ballfield at the park, which will be completed in the coming months.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· LED lighting upgrades for basketball court and playground $ 25,000 · Convert ballfield lighting to LED $360,000
· Installation of a block wall along the north end of the park $ 85,000 along the railroad
· Snack Bar remodel $ 30,000
Approved budget funding: $21,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $500,000
Norwalk Park
Norwalk Park incorporates a variety of facilities, including the N orwalk Arts and Sports Complex, Cultural Arts Center, Aquatics Center, Teen Center, Sproul Reception Center, and the Sproul Museum. The park has a large picnic area, restroom, and storage facility, playground, basketball courts, and walking paths. A Master Plan is in the process of being developed for Norwalk Park, which includes new sports fields, playgrounds, an additional restroom facility, and a variety of park amenities. CIP No. 7363 is currently funded with $300,000 for replacement of the existing playground.
City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 7
A funding request for $1.3 million was submitted in May 2021 to Senator Archuleta’s office to construct a playground, restroom facilities, and various amenities at the southwest corner of the park. Caltrans will be deeding two vacant parcels at this location to the City to be used to expand Norwalk Park. If approved, the project would be incorporated with the approved $300,000 CIP for a total of $1.6 million.
Removal of the skate park was approved in November 2021, and is in process. The area will create an opportunity to expand the Sproul Reception Center to create a larger venue for weddings and events if approved. The area is adjacent to the Sproul Museum, which requires extensive work if it is to remain open to the public, or incorporate the space and utilize it as a “Bride Room” or staging area for events.
If approved by City Council, it is staff’s recommendation to apply for a Proposition (Prop) 68 grant to redesign and rehabilitate Norwalk Park. The maximum grant award would be $8.5 million and the City would be responsible for the remaining $3.5 million balance estimate.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Rehabilitate Norwalk Park – Develop Master Design $12,000,000 · Expand Sproul Reception Center $2,000,000
(Estimate may fluctuate based on expansion options)
· Remodel park restrooms near Teen Center $ 200,000 (Option if not moving forward with Park Master Design Plan/Grant) · Installation of remaining LED walkway lights in the park $ 15,000 (Lights along Sproul Street upgraded in 2019/20)
· Rehabilitate Sproul Museum (if it remains public museum) $ 300,000
Approved budget funding: $300,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $1,300,000
Future projects funding requests: $2,000,000 - $14,000,000 (Depending on City Council direction)
Hermosillo Park
Hermosillo Park Master Plan was approved by City Council in 2019. The City has been awarded an $8.5 million grant through Prop 68 to rehabilitate the park. Funding includes the construction of a new community building, restrooms, parking lot , and various amenities throughout the park. The playground was replaced in 2018 and will remain in place, but a Pour N Play surface will be installed as part of the overall project . Measure A funding in the amount of $2.2 million is available to include in the project, as the initial engineer’s estimate is approximately $10.6 million. An additional $75,000 is budgeted for City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 8
CIP No. 7359, restroom remodel, which was put on hold pending notification of the Prop 68 grant notification.
An underground storm water infiltration project has been approved and will soon begin the design phase. Measure W funding in the amount of $23 million was awarded for the project, which is expected to take three to four years for completion. $2.4 million of the funds were recently received for the project.
Funding is included in the FY 2021/22 budget for laser leveling of ballfields at the park, but with notification of the Prop 68 grant, this work will not go forward.
Future projects and estimated costs to be considered are:
· Install Pour N Play playground surface (Measure A funds) $ 75,000 · Installation of Water Well #9 (southeast corner of park) $3,100,000 Includes telemetry system, backup generator, etc.
Potential funding thru U.S. Army Corp of Engineers grant
Approved grant funding: $33,775,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $0
Future projects funding requests: $3,175,000
Overall Funding for Parks:
Approved budget and/or funding: $34,587,000
Requested funding through grants, etc.: $ 2,643,000
Future projects funding requests: $21,557,000
Conclusion
The City has many options for projects at parks. Norwalk Park provides a unique opportunity to expand services and create a larger rental venue. Hermosillo Park project designs will be underway soon and construction should be able to begin by the end of the year for the Prop 68 park rehabilitation project . The addition of ballfield lighting at parks increases play time for leagues and upg rading existing ballfield lights to LED’s greatly reduces maintenance and energy costs. Adding block walls in parks will provide better security and decrease continued maintenance costs for repairs due to cut fences and vandalism. The addition of Pour -N-Play surfaces for playgrounds creates a safer environment for children and decreases staff time and maintenance. A Citywide Park Master Design Plan would be an option to identify resident in put, prioritize projects and, set a timeline/path to upgrading parks . The estimated cost would be $250,000 - $300,000.
City Council February 22, 2022
Park Projects Update Page No. 9
Fiscal Impact:
Several projects are included in the current FY 2021/22 Adopted Budget. Prop 68 and Measure A funds for Hermosillo Park will be brought before City Council for approval soon. The Fund 743 – Park Renovation Fund balance is $ 795,000. Additional funding would be required for projects if approved.
Citizens Advised: N/A
Strategic Plan 2021 Implementation:
The recommended action will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 2: Enhance maintenance and beautification practices.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council:
a. approve moving forward with budget-approved projects where applicable; b. prioritize future projects; and
c. provide staff direction for Citywide Master Park Design Plan.
Attachments:
Aerials of Parks