Chase Park West, Pacific Grove Cares plans to remove the weeds, prepare the soil for planting, install weed fabric, install irrigation, and then install decorative bark. This is a smaller, much simpler project than the one at Chase Park, that Pacific Grove Cares plans to embark upon, but equally important.
The work at both sites, is to be completed by a group of volunteers, that is being compiled by Pacific Grove Cares. Pacific Grove Cares intends to retain the services of a landscaping firm to assist. Pacific Grove Cares has committed to the long-term maintenance of these two locations.
If the Council approves the two projects, staff will follow all the procedures set forth in the City code to ensure that all aspects of the projects are properly permitted. This would include posting of the elm tree for removal and since both projects are within the coastal zone, staff will submit applications to our Community Development Department for Coastal Development Permit approvals.
The BNRC received this report and unanimously endorsed the project and Pacific Grove Cares at their January 21, 2025 meeting.
Update:
Pacific Grove Cares and their two projects were before the City Council on consent at their February 19, 2025 meeting. This item was pulled off consent as questions were raised regarding the total cost to the City, the process and permits that would need to be administered, and materials that will be used to facilitate the improvements. City staff noted the questions and have compiled a list, which is attachment 4 to this report, which will be harnessed to provide additional information regarding the process and implementation of the project.
It is anticipated that the work at both of these project sites will be completed by contractors retained by Pacific Grove Cares. All contractors doing work on the project sites will be subject to prevailing wage law. Additionally, all Pacific Grove Care Volunteers will need to complete the City's volunteer application and release form.
OPTIONS
1. Do not authorize the commencement of the two project sites FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is limited fiscal impact associated with the project. City Staff will need to assist with the process as noted in attachment 4. Most of the work will be funded through donations and volunteer efforts.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Not Applicable.
Attachments
Chase Park West Scope
Caledonia Plan Scope
Plant List
Project Responsibilities
PG Cares Letter 031225
PGCC 3-19-25
Legend/Notes for Chase Park Westside Landscape Refresh
Project by Pacific Grove Cares Team
A. Remove 1 declining tree keeping anything from thriving in area.
B. Remove one dead very small tree and small juniper that is way of restoring original foot path.
C. Grind out stump that was left at the site from a previous tree that fell and was removed.
D. Prepare ground: trap & remove any gophers if present, remove weeds.
E. Add drip irrigation to replace old irrigation to that corner.
F. Enrich old soil and add new soil to provide elevated depth area for planting and add interest.
G. Add organic biodegradable weed barrier.
H. Restore and slightly expand the original foot path for ease of travel, cover with DG and outline with Rocks –to restore the original path look and match the DG path in Chase Park Eastside.
I. Place 2 New Benches from city memorial benches inventory facing view of Ocean in the newly restored and enlarged DG foot path creating a place to reflect, relax, sit, and view the ocean J. Use existing original rocks from site and add more new rocks and boulders to place around the landscaping K. Trex edging barrier and pebble border to contain landscaping and match Chase Park Eastside L. Plant 2 small new trees to complement the 2 small trees that are located at Chase Park Eastside.
These two trees will replace the one damaged tree that is removed. As noted above.
M. New 5gal Plants (15-35)
N. New 1gal Plants (12-25)
O. New Bark - red brown to help retain moisture between irrigation & rain & match Chase Park Eastside.
P. Other:
Trees removed by PG PW city tree contract
All other work done by: Pacific Grove Cares Team
Funding Raised for Project: Pacific Grove Cares, a 501 c 3 nonprofit volunteer organization.
Maintenance of site: Pacific Grove Cares Team of volunteers on a regular scheduled basis Landscape contractor to do the original installation who did Chase Park Eastside.
PG Chase Park Westside refresh
Date: 1.1.25 updated: 3.1.25
Landscape Plan by: PGC Team
Project By Pacific Grove Cares
Ref: PGC
PGCC 3-19-25
Legend/Notes for Caledonia Park -Tommy Stillwell Court Sign Landscape R e f r e s h Project by Pacific Grove Cares Team
A. Prepare the soil, remove weeds.
B. If any gophers present, trap and remove.
C. Enrich and Supplement the soil to have some elevation on the site and additional planting area above ground level.
D. Add drip irrigation and a meter connecting to water inside Caledonia Park with City of PG's oversight.
E. Add organic, biodegradable weed barrier.
F. 5 gal plants - 11-14
G. 1 gal plants -22 -25
H. Add brown bark after planting
I. Add boulders for interest
J. Add Trex bordering to contain plants and if neededadd a pebble barrier to keep people from walking in.
K. Landscape contractor will do the preparation and original planting.
L. Clean up area by trees – add wood bark/chips to help keep weeds down.
M. If possible, one memorial bench under tree area with DG in front of the bench.
N. If possible, add a solar light to illuminate the sign at night.
O. Pacific Grove CaresVolunteers will maintain the site on a schedule.
PG Caledonia Park area surrounding Caledonia Park Tommy Stillwell Sign - Landscape Refresh Date: 1.1.15 /updated 3.1.25
Landscape plan by: PGC Team
Project by: Pacific Grove Cares
Ref: PGC
PGCC 3-19-25
PGCC 3-19-25
PGCC 3-19-25
PGCC 3-19-25
PGCC 3-19-25
PGCC 3-19-25
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
A B C D
Project elements:
Chase and Caledonia Responsibility Cost to City Comments Trim and remove trees City $4,000-$5,000
for report and
posting
preparation,
trimming, and
removal
Arborist will need to prepare an
arborist report. The tree will need to
be posted and proceed through the
permitting process. Noted cost is to
trim trees and remove the Elm by
the City contract tree service
provider
Honey bee removal City $0 Last check, a month ago, bees had vacated the tree
Stump grinding City $1,000 City tree service.
Ground Preparation PG Cares $0 Part of the project initiated by PG Cares
Rodent Control PG Cares $0 Trapping will need to be done. Bait will not be allowed
Drip irrigation
installed
City to
determine
connection
points
City staff will
need to be
involved. $400
Unknown at this time. The City will
need to evaluate this in the field
Install weed cloth PG Cares $0 There are non-plastic weed barriers that can be utilized.
New DG path PG Cares $0
Install memorial
benches
City $0 City staff will install benches. Cost
covered by payment for benches
and will be offered to next families
on the waiting list
Plant trees, plants PG Cares $0
Purchase plants PG Cares $0
Bark PG Cares $0 To match Chase Park East
Volunteers City unknown Any volunteer working on City
property needs to be a City
volunteer. Volunteer Coordinator
needs to be involved with efforts and
needs to have a Point of Contact
PGCC 3-19-25
15 16
17 18
19 A B C D
Permits City $800 Coastal Development Permits will
be needed for both locations. Both
locations should meet the
parameters for an extension. Public
Works Staff will need to prepare the
permit applications and CDD staff
will need to review and make as
determination on the applications.
Installation
Contractor required to
meet Prevailing Wage
requirements
PG Cares/ City
Oversite
$400 All work over $1,000 requires
prevailing wage. The City would
have to create a DIR number
GEA Consultation City $200 Depends on scope, consultation may be required
On-going
maintenance
PG Cares $0
Water Bill City Unknown
PGCC 3-19-25
March 12, 2025
Dear Mayor and City Council:
Pacific Grove Cares will present two landscape projects on March 19, 2025, to improve iconic parks in Pacific Grove that, due to the necessity of other projects, have not been upgraded to the standards residents expect.
Pacific Grove Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable, volunteer organization created to maintain and enhance Pacific Grove's public landscape by a partnership with the city. These volunteer projects will provide a significant benefit/cost ratio for the city, beautify two important spaces, and build community. 100% of all charitable giving will be dedicated to the materials and project management. Local professional gardeners and contractors are hired for tasks requiring specific skills, and plants, materials, and tools will be paid for by Pacific Grove Cares.
Projects are funded by donations to Pacific Grove Cares by individuals, businesses such as the Beach House, and organizations like the Pacific Grove Rotary. Private money will cover contractor services, plants and materials, soil preparation, and planting. Volunteers will regularly maintain these sites, removing them from the city's maintenance inventory and reducing costs.
The City's Goal Alignment includes repairing, maintaining, and improving City assets such as streets, sidewalks, sewer systems, buildings, parks, and trails. Pacific Grove Cares will be a force multiplier, reducing city responsibilities and expenses, creating a public-private partnership, and allowing the city staff to focus on high profile maintenance of streets, crosswalks, and infrastructure. Any oversight of Pacific Grove Cares projects involves a one-time cost including removing a declining tree and stump, both routine services.
I welcome your questions and authorization to move these projects to full implementation.
I know that you love our wonderful town of Pacific Grove, and we are ready for the challenge and opportunity to help Keep Pacific Grove Beautiful.
Sincerely,
Peggy Gibbs
CEO, Founder
Pacific Grove Cares
www.pacificgrovecares.org
Keep Pacific Grove Beautiful
PGCC 3-19-25