PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAF REPOR
Agenda Item #12.C
Meetin Date: March 3, 2026
TITLE:
Capital Improvement Program Semi-Annual Report
RECOMMENDATION:
No action recommended; for information only.
DISCUSSION:
The Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is one of the most important planning documents for the City of Pismo Beach. This plan not only identifies immediate needs but also seeks to capture the long-term capital requirements of the City. Capital projects are typically projects that lead to the acquisition and/or construction of new assets or the improvement or extension of the useful life of existing capital assets. Capital assets include but are not limited to land, facilities, buildings, parks, playground equipment, streets and sidewalks, bridges, water, wastewater and storm drain infrastructure, technology systems and equipment, traffic control devices, and many other items that deliver public benefit for a prolonged period of time. This report will provide an update on CIP projects currently in progress.
Studies and Planning Documents
The City’s efforts to plan and prioritize construction projects also include the preparation of studies and planning documents that provide recommendations for future infrastructure improvements. Currently there are six of these plans in the process of completion: the Sewer System Management Plan, Sewer Master Plan, Urban Water Management Plan, Water Master Plan, Facilities Condition Assessment and ADA Transition Plan. Three additional plans have been completed since the last update: the Drainage Master Plan Update for Shell Beach, Downtown, and the Heights, the Pavement Management Plan Update, and the Pier, Cypress Bridge and Pedestrian Bridge Inspection Report.
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) and Sewer Master Plan (SMP) The SSMP provides a plan and schedule to properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the sanitary sewer system for regulatory compliance. The current SSMP was developed in 2020 and needs to be updated to remain in regulatory compliance with the California discharge permit for sanitary sewer systems.
The SMP provides a prioritized list of capital improvements related to the sanitary sewer system. This document was last updated in 2000.
The consultant completed and uploaded the SSMP audit document to the California Integrated Water Quality System Project (CIWQS) database prior to the November 2025 due date. The consultant is on track to have the draft SSMP submitted for staff review in mid-March, with the final SSMP anticipated to be presented to the Council for approval in April. Once approved, the final SSMP will be uploaded to the CIWQS database before Council Agenda 3-3-2026 12.C-1
the May 2, 2026 deadline. The consultant is currently working on the population and flow evaluation for the SMP and recently completed the collection system evaluations.
Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and Water Master Plan (WMP) The UWMP provides long-term water resources planning and demonstrates water supply reliability under normal as well as drought conditions. The current UWMP was developed in 2020 and is required to be updated following the California Department of Water Resources guidance to remain in compliance with California Water Code requirements.
The WMP evaluates the water system to identify capital improvement projects necessary to meet current and future water system requirements. The plan was last updated in 2020.
Staff has prepared a formal Request for Proposals for professional engineering and planning services to prepare an update of the UWMP and WMP. It is anticipated that consultant proposals will be due in April 2026.
Facilities Condition Assessment
This project includes preparation of a comprehensive facilities condition assessment of all City-owned facilities and a long-term facilities maintenance plan. The contractor has delivered final reports for each facility and provided the City with access to software to easily view the City’s assets, their condition, and expected maintenance costs for the next 20 years. The consultant has provided the data and it has been uploaded to our Asset Management Program. Staff will bring the final report to the Council at a future meeting.
ADA Transition Plan Update
Under Title II of the ADA, the City is required to have a current Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The City contracted with Disability Access Consultants (DAC) through the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) ADA Assistance Program to complete a comprehensive update of the 2014 Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. DAC has nearly completed its inspections of public rights-of-way, parks, and facilities. A 60- day public input period was advertised and surveys collected. DAC is also working on the programmatic evaluation of policies, procedures, and practices. It is anticipated that data will be entered into the DACTrak software and staff will begin receiving training on the software in the Fall.
Drainage Master Plan – Shell Beach, Downtown, and the Heights A consolidated Drainage Master Plan was completed, including an update to the 2005 Drainage Master Plan for the Downtown and Pismo Heights areas as well as incorporating the Shell Beach Village area which had not previously been included in any study. This updated plan is being used to incorporate drainage improvements into the scope of the Paving and Drainage Project, budgeted for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.
Pavement Management Plan (PMP) Update
The Pavement Management Plan (PMP) provides a comprehensive five-year maintenance and rehabilitation strategy for the City’s approximately 38 centerline miles of pavement. The PMP Update has been completed and design is underway on the Council Agenda 3-3-2026 12.C-2
Phase 1 project. An RFP for consultant design of the Phase 2 project will follow in the coming months.
Pier, Cypress Bridge and Pedestrian Bridge Inspections
Underwater and above-water inspection of the entire Pismo Pier as well as the Cypress Street Bridge, Dolliver Street Pedestrian Bridge, and Shore Cliff Pedestrian Bridge have been completed.
Completed Projects
Clarifiers Rehabilitation
The project included removal and replacement of circular spiral blade, cage drive clarifiers, walkway and platform with handrails, and other appurtenances necessary to rehabilitate Clarifier #1 and Clarifier #2. A Notice of Completion is being presented to the Council for approval under a separate item at this meeting.
Pier Avenue Stairs Removal
This project removed the damaged stairs on Ocean Boulevard at Pier Avenue. A Notice of Completion was approved by the City Council on February 3, 2026.
Under Construction
Public Safety Facility
At both the police and the fire station, the final electrical and cabinet finishes are being installed. Commissioning of building mechanical and HVAC systems is in process.
Procurement of interior furnishings is being finalized. Onsite, the ADA concrete ramps and the rear parking lot retaining wall and landscaping are being installed. Weather has caused scheduling delays for the exterior work. Overall, the building work is progressing as scheduled with building completion expected in April 2026.
Ventana Sports Courts Project
The project consists of construction of new tennis and pickleball courts on Ventana Drive (Ventana Sports Courts). These include two pickleball courts, one tennis court, a parking lot, and a crosswalk connecting Chumash Park to the Ventana Courts. A construction contract was awarded and the Notice to Proceed was issued for work to begin on March 23, 2026. Construction is anticipated to be complete by October 2026. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Design
Routine Street Maintenance
Regular routine maintenance of City streets will benefit all residents and visitors who utilize the City's roadways and prolong the useful life of the roadways. Routine maintenance includes crack filling, performing dig-outs, filling potholes, slurry sealing, and striping. The FY 2026 budget includes $1M to complete a routine maintenance project on Council Agenda 3-3-2026 12.C-3
select residential City streets based on the PMP. A consultant contract has been executed for design of the project with construction anticipated in September 2026.
New Production Well
This project will replace the existing Well 23 with a new water production well. The well has been thoroughly examined by experts in the field. The consensus is that attempting to rehabilitate this well is not worth the significant risk of it failing completely in the process.
Charles Street Reservoir Replacement Project
This project will replace the Charles Street Reservoir, located in Grover Beach, which is nearing the end of its useful life. The project is partially funded with a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The current plans are at 60% design, and the current construction cost estimate is $5.0 million. Staff is re- evaluating the plans and recommendations for a project within budget.
Addie Street Restroom Replacement
This project will replace the current restroom at the beach end of Addie Street, adjacent to the Addie Street parking lot, with a larger restroom. A revised design based on Council direction has been provided by the manufacturer. Staff is now coordinating with California State Parks regarding the new site layout.
Shell Beach Road Shared Use Path
The project will connect Avila Beach Drive to Spyglass Drive with a multimodal path. The design is at the 60% level. Staff is coordinating with County Planning staff for a County planning permit as well as communicating with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), the County, and Caltrans regarding construction funding shortfalls. The project stakeholders are reviewing a smaller phased project that will meet the current funding budget available.
Sunset Palisades Lift Station Rehab and Force Main Relocation The Sunset Palisades Lift Station Rehabilitation and Force Main Relocation Project will rehabilitate the aging discharge piping at the lift station to maintain safe and efficient operations. The project will also relocate the existing force main which currently runs behind the residential properties along Searidge Court, into the City’s right-of-way. 30% design is currently in progress. 100% plans are expected to be complete in July 2026.
Pier Avenue Storm Drain Repair
The project will replace the storm drain outfall pipe that was washed away during a storm event in January 2023. This site was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for funding and a consultant has prepared 100% construction plans and specifications for review. Construction is estimated to be completed by the end of 2026.
Council Agenda 3-3-2026 12.C-4
Cliff Avenue/Ocean Boulevard Storm Drain
The project will repair the damaged storm drain outfall at the intersection of Cliff Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. The project is funded through the Federal Emergency Relief program. A constructability review of the plans is in progress and comments have been provided to the design consultant for incorporation prior to re-advertising for construction bids. The Construction Management agreement has been revised to incorporate all required federal language and is under review with Caltrans prior to being presented to Council for approval. Staff anticipate re-advertising for construction bids in May 2026.
Cliff Avenue Parking
The project will pave and stripe parking stalls at 90° angles in the currently unpaved right- of-way along the south side of Cliff Avenue. A consultant contract for design services has been executed and design is now in progress. 100% plans are expected to be complete in November 2026.
Cliff Avenue/Ocean Boulevard Utility Undergrounding
This project will underground the overhead utility lines along the bluff on Cliff Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in the vicinity of the Cliff Avenue/Ocean Boulevard Storm Drain Repair project. The project is currently advertised for construction bids, with bids due on March 12, 2026.
Price Street/Ocean View Avenue Improvements
This project will provide increased pedestrian and cyclist safety at the intersection of Price Street and Ocean View Avenue. A contract with a consultant to prepare design plans has been executed, and work is in progress.
Price Street and Dolliver Parking Lot Lighting
Staff is working with a solar streetlight vender to install two lights as part of a no-cost pilot program in the Dolliver and Main Street parking lots. The lights will be in place at the parking lot for 90 days, during which the City will evaluate their look and performance. At the end of the 90-day period, the City will either opt to have the lights removed at no cost or purchase the lights.
Vision Zero Action Plan
Staff secured a grant through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program to complete a Vision Zero Action Plan. The plan will identify and prioritize projects that will eliminate or reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
Staff anticipates releasing an RFP by the end of this year, with consultant selection in January 2027.
Eldwayen Park Sidewalk Re-route
The project will remove the existing sidewalk within the park and install a new decomposed granite path away from the edge of the bluff. Staff is working to execute a contract with a consultant for design of the project.
Council Agenda 3-3-2026 12.C-5
Toucan Terrace Sewer Pipe Relining
Bid specifications are currently being developed for the Toucan Terrace Pipe Relining project, and SmartCover has been contracted to install a flow meter to collect flow data in support of the bypass plan.
320/330 Main Street Parking Lot Design
The property at 330 Main Street, which is currently being utilized as a temporary Police Department office, is being evaluated for use as a parking lot once the Public Safety Facility is operational and staff have relocated there. Alternatives are being explored for possible merging with adjacent lots, or a standalone lot. Staff has developed some conceptual design alternatives and cost estimates for consideration.
Other Projects Budgeted in FY26
Evaluate potential for sports courts lighting
Vista Del Mar Stairs foundation maintenance
Butterfly Grove Enhanced Parking and Crosswalk: Pending Highway 1 relinquishment
Pismo Oaks booster station, Pacific Estates booster station, and Well 5 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this report.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Prepared by:
Erin Olsen, Senior Management Analyst
Submitted by: Rosemarie R. Gaglione, PE, Director of Public Works City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 3-3-2026 12.C-6