CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
May 20, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Gutierrez, City Manager
Submitted By: Rene Guerrero, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION REGARDING MONTVUE PARK PLAYGROUND DAMAGED BY FIRE RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council discuss the following options regarding the playground fire at Montvue Park:
Direct Staff to repair the damaged portions of the playground and rubberized surfacing caused by the fire; or Direct Staff to replace the playground and rubberized surfacing, and potentially relocate the playground to a more visible location.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On April 7, 2024, the playground at Montvue Park was set on fire as a result of vandalism. The ensuing damage makes the playground unusable until it is either repaired or replaced, and potentially relocated to a location that is more visible. Staff is asking for direction regarding these options.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
It is estimated that the cost to repair the damage done to the playground and rubberized surfacing caused by the fire would be approximately $250,000. Should City Council direct Staff to replace and potentially relocate the playground to a more visible location, the estimated cost is a minimum of $500,000. At this time, there are no identified funding sources to provide for either option.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
On June 5, 2023, the City Council directed Staff to provide estimated costs to demolish the existing gazebo at Montvue Park, repair the gazebo, or reconstruct the gazebo at a different, more visible location in the park.
On August 7, 2023, the City Council discussed options regarding the disposition of the gazebo at Montvue Park due to recurring vandalism.
DISCUSSION:
On April 7, 2024, the playground at Montvue Park was set on fire due to vandalism, making the playground unsafe to use until it is either repaired or replaced. This is the third time the playground has been damaged due to fire in the last several years. In the weeks prior to this most recent incident, the Pomona Police Department (PPD) increased patrol of Montvue Park in a sustained effort to reduce vandalism. PPD did respond to this incident, but was unable to determine who may have started the fire. It should be noted that the City is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who helps lead to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this recent fire.
In 2022, the Public Works Department replaced the woodchips at the park playground with rubberized surfacing at a cost of approximately $93,000, as part of “ADA Accessibility Rubberized Playground Surfacing” Project No. 428-2590-XXXXX-71074. The rubberized surface has also been damaged by the fire.
Given the immediate need to address the safety concerns noted above, Staff is recommending that the City Council provide direction regarding the repair of the damage at the playground at Montvue Park, which is estimated to be approximately $250,000, or to replace the entire playground and potentially relocate it to a more visible section of the park, which is estimated to cost $500,000, minimum.
Prepared by:
Shandy Dittman
Public Works Fiscal and Project Manager
Discussion Regarding Montvue Park Playground Damaged by Fire