CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
February 7, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: James Makshanoff, City Manager
Submitted by: Rene Guerrero, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF LA VERNE FOR ARROW HIGHWAY MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Approve an agreement with the City of La Verne for median landscape/irrigation improvements and project management on Arrow Highway from White Avenue in La Verne to Garey Avenue in Pomona; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to approve the agreement and any extensions/amendments thereto, on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Approval of this agreement (Attachment No. 1) will result in median landscape/irrigation improvements in the existing medians along Arrow Highway, from White Avenue in La Verne to Garey Avenue in Pomona, to be funded by the California Natural Resources Agency (CRNA) Urban Greening Program grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City of Pomona for the construction of the Arrow Highway median landscape/irrigation improvements. The City of La Verne, as lead agency, will utilize the Urban Greening Program grant to fund the improvements. However, the improvements will result in additional maintenance costs to the City of Pomona when completed. These anticipated maintenance costs should be minimal because the project will utilize drought-tolerant plantings and energy efficient appurtenances. Funding for landscape maintenance will be spread amongst the following accounts: General Fund (101-4011), Gas Tax (208-4012), Measure M (138-4012), Gas Tax RMRA (206-4012), and Measure R (128-4012).
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION: None.
DISCUSSION: On April 14, 2021, the Cities of La Verne (lead agency) and Pomona were awarded a CRNA Urban Greening Program grant for $561,825 for landscape improvements in the existing medians along Arrow Highway between White Avenue in La Verne and Garey Avenue in Pomona (Project).
The Urban Greening Program is part of California Climate investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Project includes planting approximately 120 native, drought-tolerant trees and 200 native, drought-tolerant shrubs in the existing street medians along Arrow Highway (Attachment No. 2) that currently lack landscaping. The Project will help alleviate local environmental challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) caused by daily commuters and trucks in support of CRNA goals of improving air quality and advancing the development of sustainable urban forests.
The Project will also reduce water pollution by capturing rainwater that may otherwise drain to Arrow Highway, while enhancing the groundwater supply by preventing rapid evaporation and naturally filtering water as it reaches the aquifers. The proposed irrigation system (a sub-surface drip system with an automatic rain-shutoff device) also provides multiple environmental, health, and safety benefits.
The Project is one component of a long-term effort by both cities to convert Arrow Highway to a multimodal street with more pedestrian and bicycle activity. Improving the overall aesthetic, while improving the air quality and reducing urban heat island effect of Arrow Highway, can help to encourage residents and employees of adjacent businesses to walk or bicycle to and from their neighborhood and local resources. Additionally, the Project will enhance the connection to the upcoming Gold Line light rail station and higher density development planned along the roadway.
If approved by City Council, this work is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
Prepared by:
Elisa Mitchell, Program Assistant
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Agreement - Arrow Highway Median Improvements Attachment No. 2 – Recommended Plant Characteristics and Species 1 Approval of Agreement with City of La Verne