CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
BUDGET RESPONSE REPORTS
(Updated List – 6/9/23)
FY 2023-24 PROPOSED BUDGET
The following is a list of questions raised regarding the FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget.
The corresponding answer to each of these questions (the “Budget Response Report”) will be provided before the final Budget Hearing.
Dept. Question Status
1. Finance
What corrections/adjustments need to be made to the FY
2023-24 Proposed Budget Document for inclusion in the
Adopted Budget?
In Progress
2. Community
Services
What special events were designated as “Signature Events” and received City subsidy in Fiscal Year 2022-23? What is the City’s special event review and approval process? What are special event organizers charged for City expenses?
Complete
3. PD What is the status of sworn Police Officer staffing in the Redondo Beach Police Department? Complete
4. PD What is the status of civilian staffing in the Redondo Beach Police Department? Complete
5. PD What are the options and costs to enhance traffic enforcement and safety on residential streets? Complete
6. PD What is the cost of four additional Police Officers assigned to Traffic Patrol? Complete
7. HR What is the cost/benefit of restoring the Risk Manager position? Complete
8. PW
Can the Wilderness Park upper pond be reconstructed to be more operationally sustainable? What would be the cost and process to do so? What would be required to reconstruct the former Wilderness Park lower pond? What is the process and cost to rehabilitate the Wilderness Park meeting room, office, and restroom facilities?
In Progress
9. PW What are the current and future annual tree trimming costs? Complete
10. PW
What is the status of the Civic Center Landscaping
Improvement and the Civic Center Storefront Improvement Projects?
Complete
11. PW What is the status of the City’s Harbor Dredging Project and the Army Corps of Engineers Breakwater Repair Project? Complete
12. PW
What is the process and cost to expand the Pallet Shelter Facility into the adjacent/vacant City owned parcel on
Kingsdale?
In Progress
13. IT
How does the City’s Information Technology Equipment
Replacement Program work and what equipment is
recommended for replacement in FY 2023-24?
In Progress
14. PW What are the costs to repair all City alleyways with a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) less than 25 and between 26 and 50? Complete
15. PW What is the cost to remove and backfill the old pool structure at Aviation Park? Complete
16. PW
What is the cost of installing exercise equipment at Aviation Park and Anderson Park and the feasibility of installing equipment in the SCE right-of-way?
Complete
17. PW / CS What is the parking utilization rate at the Transit Center? Complete
18. PW What is the cost to paint traffic signal poles and arms? Complete
19. PW What is the cost of upgrading the Franklin Park basketball court and repairing or replacing the park’s trellis structures? Complete
20. PW What is the cost to landscape the medians on Lilienthal Lane between Fisk Lane and Ives Lane? Complete
21. PW What is the cost to landscape the median on Artesia Blvd between Kingsdale Avenue and Grevillea Avenue? Complete
22. PW
How does the City’s Vehicle and Heavy Equipment
Replacement Program work and what City vehicles and
equipment are scheduled for replacement by the Public Works Department in the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year? What is the current replacement cycle for each vehicle and what is the cost to shorten the replacement cycle?
In Progress
23. PW What would it cost to conduct a Citywide Traffic Analysis, including local streets? Complete
24. PW
How will the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s decision to end the Time Schedule Order (TSO) for the Seaside Lagoon impact water quality operations and the potential for additional fines from the facility’s water discharge?
Complete
25. PW What is the cost to steam clean sidewalks? Complete
26. PW
What is the cost to design and install bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalks, and to improve stop sign visibility at the Diamond Street and N. Francisca Ave intersection and other general intersections not currently included in the Capital Improvement Program?
Complete
27. PW How many City trees were planted during FY 2022-23 and how many are proposed to be planted in FY 2023-24? Complete
28. PW
When did the City adopt the new street signage plan? Where has it been deployed? How much would it cost to replace all of the remaining street name signs and the internally
illuminated box signs on traffic signals?
Complete
29. CM What is the cost to add certifying “Blue Check Marks” to the City’s Social Media Accounts? Complete
30. PW What is the cost to replace the bollards at Perry Park? Complete
31. HR / FD What is the cost of a civilian Emergency Preparedness Coordinator? In Progress
32. FD / PW
What is the cost of a new fire station at the north end of Redondo Beach? What is the process and what are the costs to identify and potentially secure a location for a new station? What are the costs/options to renovate the City’s existing fire stations?
In Progress
33. PD
What is the status of the Police Department’s Municipal Code enforcement efforts? How many Municipal Code citations
were issued in the past year?
In Progress
34. CA What is the estimated cost to challenge the EIR for the Metro Green Line Expansion Project? In Progress
35. Community
Services
What is the process and cost to re-implement the Senior Lunch Program at Perry Park? Complete
36. Community
Services
What was the cultural and entertainment rental activity at the RBPAC in FY 2022-23? How will the proposed restoration of marketing and equipment funds be used to improve RBPAC
operations?
In Progress
37. CM
What comments were received from City Commissions
Regarding the FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget and Five-Year
Capital Improvement Program?
In Progress
38. CD / CM /
CT / PD
What are the estimated revenues that would be generated by taxing existing cannabis deliveries to RB? What are the methods and costs for the enforcement and collection of those tax revenues? What are the administrative steps needed to begin collecting the taxes and what would be the timeline for implementation?
In Progress
39. CA / CM
What is the process and what are the costs of identifying and acquiring, by lease or for ownership (alone or in partnership with another municipality), a vacant or otherwise usable lot (preferably in an industrial area) in a SPA 8 city for additional pallet shelters or for other temporary homeless related purposes?
In Progress
40. PW
What are the estimated costs of adding the following
maintenance & repair requests to DP #75?
a. Renovated bullpen warm up areas at Perry park (2),
Anderson Park (1), and Dominquez Park (1).
b. Regraded home plate area and first base line at
Dominguez Park.
c. Renovated snack bars at all 3 parks.
d. Renovated bathrooms at Perry park adjacent to the
snack bar.
In Progress
41. PW What are the costs to repair the Dale Page park bathrooms? Complete
42. PW What are the costs to repair the steep dip in the street on the west side of the Ruhland and MacKay intersection? Complete
43. CS
Is it feasible to allow free or reduced rate access to the RBUSD athletic fields during the summer months by resident-based groups, such as AYSO?
In Progress
44. CA What are the estimated legal costs to challenge SB 423? In Progress
45. PW / CS
What are the costs to make the following improvements at Franklin Park?
a. Add an all-abilities play structure (with potential
sensory den).
b. Provide more frequent cleaning of the play
structures at the park and post the cleaning
schedule to assist immunocompromised children.
Complete
46. CM
Is the City able to apply for federal grant funds to construct a closed roof shooting range facility at Dominguez Park? If so, what are the grant application timelines? What would it cost to have the City’s contract grant writing firm assist with the grant application?
In Progress
47. CS What is the status of the Ito Family Park dedication plaque/monument project? Complete
48. PW
What would it cost to repair (grind and overlay) the following street segments?
a. Broadway Ave. - between Beryl and Carnelian
b. Emerald St. - between Broadway and PCH
c. Emerald St. - between PCH and Francisca
d. Emerald St. - between Juanita and Lucia
e. Emerald St. - between Lucia and Prospect
f. Spencer St. - between El Redondo and Irena
g. Juanita Ave. - between Spencer and Emerald
h. Diamond St. - between Maria and Lucia
Complete
49. PW
What would it cost to repair (grind and overlay) the following alleyway segments?
a. Alley Between Lucia and Maria
b. Alley Between Carnelian and Diamond
c. Alley Between Diamond and Del Amo
d. Alley / New High Ct between Garnet and Torrance
Complete
50. PW
Is it possible to slurry seal the street and alleyway segments identified in BRRs 48 and 49? If so, what are the estimated costs? What is the cost to slurry seal Lucia Ave. between Vincent and Emerald?
Complete
51. PW
What are the costs of erecting banner signs on street light poles along Artesia Blvd and/or in the Restaurant Node areas identified in the AACAP?
Complete
52. PD / FD What is the process and cost to enhance fire departmentbased emergency dispatch calls? In Progress
53. PW / PD Is it feasible, and what is the cost, to conduct trash cleanup twice per day at Veterans park? Complete
54. PW
What are the costs to beautify and/or install raised gardens on the city owned lot at the south east corner of Grant Ave and Inglewood Ave?
Complete
55. PW What is the cost to add a pollinator fountain (basalt rock fountain) to the Civic Center Landscape Improvement Project? Complete
56. CS What is the cost to install and maintain colorful ground and wall art at the transit center? In Progress
57. IT / PW What is the cost to install “hand raising” buttons and lights at the councilmember seats on the dais? In Progress
58. PD
What is the total cost to the City for providing crossing guard services and how much has the cost increased over the past five years?
Complete
59. PW What is the cost to repair the alleyway between Armour Lane and 190th Street? Complete
60. PW / CS
What are alternative beautification measures for the median on Lilienthal Lane, including possible floor art installation, and what are their associated costs?
In Progress
61. PD
What items are included in the Emergency Equipment
Communications Fund and what is the estimated replacement cost for these items?
In Progress
62. CD
What is the cost to conduct an organizational assessment of the Community Development Department and specifically the Planning, Building, and Engineering permit workflow and counter operations?
In Progress
63. FD / PW What decision packages were submitted by the Fire and Public Works Departments that were not recommended for adoption? In Progress
64. PW What is the cost to repaint the poles supporting the Redondo beach King Harbor Gateway Sign? Complete
65. CS
What were the results of the fee comparison prepared by the Community Services Department for neighboring recreation programs.
In Progress
66. FD
What is the average collection rate for Fire agencies that have implemented a Pre-Hospital Paramedic Assessment Fee and how is the compassionate billing clause for these fees
commonly managed?
In Progress
67. WED What is the cost to install new directory signage for waterfront businesses, including digital signs? In Progress
68. CM What are the results of the community survey regarding the City Budget? In Progress
69. CM What letters have been prepared by City Commissions advising the City Council on the Budget? In Progress
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #2
June 9, 2023
Question:
What special events were designated as “Signature Events” and received City subsidy in Fiscal Year 2022-23? What is the City’s special event review and approval process? What are special event organizers charged for City expenses? Response:
Special Events on public property fall into one of three particular categories: (1) Signature Events, (2) City-Initiated Events; and (3) Other Special Events. While these three categories are commonly referred to collectively as “Special Events,” there are important distinctions between the three categories as noted below.
Signature Events
There are four Signature Events designated by the Mayor and City Council that received funding and/or staff support from the City of Redondo Beach in FY 2022-
23. The list of Signature Events and the degree of support are reviewed annually by the City Council as part of the budget process. The City waives rental, permit, and parking fees for these Signature Events. For FY 2022-23, $28,000 was allocated from the General Fund to support the following Signature Events:
• Superbowl Sunday 10K/5K - $10,000
• Springfest - waive charges up to $13,000, waive rental fee • Riviera Village Summer Festival - $2,500
• Riviera Village Holiday Stroll - $2,500
There were three additional special events that received a cost waiver in FY 2022- 23 from the City Council that were not part of the original list of Signature Events:
• King Harbor Sea Fair - $2,000
• Riviera Village Halloween Trick or Treat Stroll - $2,500 • Christmas Boat Parade - $4,000
Other Special Events
All other special events are subject to the City’s review and approval policy for special events as further outlined in this BRR. These special events are required to pay the requisite fees and to cover any costs incurred by the City as a result of the events. On an annual basis, the Community Services Department prepares an event calendar, which lists these Special Events with dates and locations to be published on the City’s website.
City-Initiated Events
Additionally, there are a limited number of City-Initiated events which are sponsored and funded through department budgets as part of their annual work program including the Community Open House, Egg Hunt, and the Senior Health Fair. These events are largely self-contained, occur at City-operated facilities, and generally do not create impacts causing concern to residents or businesses.
Special Event Approval Process
As presented to Council in April 2023, staff has implemented several improvements to the special event process to provide more efficiency and transparency for both staff and event producers, including creating a centralized invoicing process for City costs and permitting fees. This has allowed event producers to receive an estimate of costs prior to the event, so they can evaluate options before committing to their various programs and activities. Additionally, the process reduces the number of payments the sponsors are required to make to City Departments following the event. Previously, event sponsors were required to pay required permitting fees to each department separately.
Another critical change, implemented through coordination with the Police Department, is that sponsors now have the option to utilize a combination of private security and volunteer services for perimeter event security where appropriate.
This has provided a cost savings for event producers, while still providing a safe event for the community.
Looking ahead, staff will continue to refine the special event evaluation process and is considering additional enhancements to the program including the enforcement of an application submittal deadline to ensure sufficient time is available to review special event requests and allow for effective logistical planning. Specific deadlines for each event will ensure specialized permits, such as building or street closure permits, are processed well in advance of the event and will allow the sponsors more time to review the City requirements and make necessary event coordination adjustments. Additionally, staff is planning to review the special event application to determine if there is information that can be consolidated or refined to make the application more complete and concise.
The Community Services Department receives Special Event applications and coordinates the interdepartmental review of all Special Events. The Approval Process proceeds as follows:
1. Special Event Application - upon receipt of the completed application, Community Services staff will distribute an electronic copy of the completed Special Event Application to the Special Events Review Team comprised of the following individuals:
a. Traffic Engineer
b. Police Chief or designee
c. Fire Chief or designee
d. Public Works Director or designee
e. Community Services Director or designee
f. Risk Manager
g. Waterfront & Economic Development Director or designee h. Community Development Director or designee
2. Event Requirements & Fee Determination - requirements and cost estimates concerning the Special Event application are collected from each department via e-mail. In the event of significant concerns, a meeting of the above individuals will be scheduled to review the application. There may be a pre-meeting of the Special Events Review Team prior to meeting with the event promoter. The estimated event costs are then assembled and transmitted to the applicant prior to the event.
3. Fee Collection - following the event, each member of the Special Events Team submits final charges for supporting the event. Charges can vary greatly based on the size and scope of the event. Examples of charges include Public Safety staffing, Public Works support, Traffic Control Plans, and various permit fees.
City Fees - Below are the Special and Signature Events held in FY 2022-23, including subsidy amounts and total City fee amounts.
EVENT SUBSIDY
AMOUNT
TOTAL FEE
AMOUNT
July 4 5K Run/Walk - $24,506
Riviera Village July 4 Fireworks - $5,690
South Bay Greek Festival - $7,176
LA Kings 5K/Walk - $17,309
Rocktoberfest - $15,722
Halloween Trick or Treat Stroll $2,500 $2,309
Riviera Village Holiday Stroll $2,500 $3,154
Christmas Boat Parade $4,000 $150
Redondo Beach Superbowl Sunday
10K
$10,000 $24,007
Springfest $13,000
+ rental fees
$12,200
Walk for Life - $50
Riviera Village Summer Festival $2,500 TBD
King Harbor Sea Fair $2,000 No event held
By establishing the Signature Event subsidies, events such as the Springfest event was able to be reinstated in 2023. For other events such as the Riviera Village Halloween Stroll and Holiday Stroll, the subsidy covered most or all of the costs.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #3
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the status of sworn Police Officer staffing in the Redondo Beach Police Department?
Response:
Current Status
The staffing status for the Police Department’s 96 budgeted sworn personnel, as of May 30, 2023 is shown on the following table.
Position Authorized Frozen Vacant Filled
Chief of Police 1 0 0 1
Police Captain 3 0 0 3
Police Lieutenant 6 0 0 6
Police Sergeant 15 0 0 15
Police Officer 71 0 9 62
Total 96 0 9 87
The Police Department currently has 87 sworn filled positions. This includes six (6) trainees currently in our field training program and six (5) recruits in the academy. This number also includes five (5) officers that are out longer-term as part of a medical absence.
There are currently four (4) candidates in the background process, three (3) of which are lateral police officers. The Police Department hosted a physical agility test last month and written exams are scheduled for the end of May 2023 with interviews shortly thereafter. Successful candidates are expected to be onboard some time in late summer 2023.
Recruitment has been a consistent challenge for the Law Enforcement profession and the Redondo Beach Police Department is not exempt from these challenges. The Department is committed to developing new and innovative ways to recruit qualified candidates via social media, academy visits, billboards, mobile sign boards, professional flyers and robust referral and recruitment efforts. Additionally, the Department intends to continue to market the City’s many video vignettes, special programs, special assignment details, and contemporary social media platforms.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #4
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the status of civilian staffing in the Redondo Beach Police Department? Response:
The staffing status for the Police Department’s non-sworn personnel, as of May 30, 2023 is shown on the following tables.
Administrative Services
Position Authorized Frozen Vacant Filled
Executive Assistant 1 0 0 1
Sr Management Analyst 1 0 0 1
Administrative Specialist 1* 0 0 2
Analyst 2** 0 0 1
Total 5 0 0 5
*Currently out on long-term leave
** One (1) Analyst is currently an over-hire to supplement the Admin Specialist that is out on long-term leave
Community Service Officers
Position Authorized Frozen Vacant Filled
CSO III 3 0 1 2
CSO II (i.e. Jail Unit) 12 0 3 9
Total 15 0 4 11
The CSO III (Jail Manager) vacancy was recently created due to a promotion to Analyst.
The CSO II classification has three vacancies. One is due to being hired as a Police Recruit and the other two are due to not completing training. Both CSO III and CSO II positions are currently open for applications.
Communications Unit
Position Authorized Frozen Vacant Filled
Public Safety
Communications Manager 1 0 0 1
Communications Supervisor 4 0 2 2
Dispatcher 9 0 1 8
Total 14 0 3 11
Currently there is an internal supervisor promotional list, however, the Police Department is working on securing dispatcher staffing levels before proceeding with promotions.
Dispatcher testing took place April 2023. There are currently four (4) candidates in the background process.
Records Unit
Position Authorized Frozen Vacant Filled
Police Records Manager 1 0 1 0
Lead Police Services
Specialist 2 0 0 2
Police Services Specialist 6 0 0 6
Administrative Specialist 1 0 0 1
Office Specialist 2 0 0 2
Total 12 0 1 11
The Police Records Manager position is currently filled by an existing employee on an interim basis. This will occur until the position is permanently filled.
Investigations Division
Position Authorized Frozen Vacant Filled
Administrative Specialist 1 0 0 1
Crime Analyst 1 0 0 1
Police Identification Technician 1 0 0 1
Total 3 0 0 3
Community Services Unit
Position Authorized Frozen Vacant Filled
Municipal Services
Supervisor 1 0 0 1
Municipal Services Officer 7 0 1 6
Sr. Code Enforcement
Officer 1 0 0 1
Code Enforcement Officer 2 0 0 2
Total 12 0 0 12
This summary includes the personnel reorganization approved by City Council in December 2022.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #5
June 1, 2023
Question:
What are the options and costs to enhance traffic enforcement and safety on residential streets?
Response:
A comprehensive response, focused on greater public education, engineering of city streets and robust enforcement of traffic laws can increase the safety on the roadways in residential areas of the city. The response may include costs for personnel and equipment needs, as well as no or low-cost items such as building greater education through social media campaigns and other forms of public awareness.
Through the use of emergency response surveys, the Police Department is acutely aware that complaints of traffic violations consistently remain the highest area of concern for members of the community. Mitigation of traffic safety and enforcement may be facilitated through greater staffing and utilization of specialized equipment.
The City of Redondo Beach encompasses 6.2 square miles which includes a significant amount of traffic control areas and devices. Currently, Redondo Beach has approximately 1,565 stop signs, 592 traffic signals at 150 signalized intersections, and, 141 miles of roadway that includes fifty sections with speed zones established via RBMC.
While each Police Officer in the Police Department is responsible for traffic enforcement and education, it is the primary focus of Traffic Unit personnel. Authorized staffing for the Traffic Unit is currently six (7) personnel, one (1) Motor Sergeant, five (5) Motor Officers, and one (1) Traffic Investigator. Along with conducting traffic enforcement the Unit also responds to reports of traffic collisions throughout the City. Although the current Police Department organization chart includes five Motor Officer positions, only one is currently filled with a full-duty Police Officer. One position is vacant due to a recent transfer and is anticipated to be filled on June 17, 2023. Three positions are occupied by Police Officers that are not able to perform their duty due to long term industrial injuries.
A Traffic Unit Officer is a substantial visual deterrent, provides community education and enforces traffic laws. Additional staffing of a Police Officer assigned to the Traffic Unit is approximately $215,000 annually. The on-going costs have been described in Budget Response Report #6 (What is the cost of four additional Police Officers assigned to Traffic Patrol?). Other one-time costs include a police motorcycle, uniforms, and communication equipment which amount to $33,400 per traffic officer.
In addition to adding Police Officer positions for increased enforcement, options exist for the utilization of non-sworn Police Department personnel to maintain a presence in areas of concern, increase Police Department visibility, and allow for increased community education, at a reduced cost. Current civilian employees, such as Municipal Service Officers, Police Cadets, or Volunteers in Policing, could be tasked with parking vehicles at strategic residential locations as visual deterrents for motorists who might otherwise be inclined to speed or roll stop signs. The MSOs, Cadets and VIPs, drive non-enforcement vehicles that are marked with Police insignia and in addition to parking the vehicles at key spots, could distribute educational information to the community to raise awareness and/or promote the Department’s “Drive Slow Redondo” campaign. These resources could be supplemented through an increase in part-time funds that would be used for specific safety awareness efforts. An increase of $10,000 to the part-time budget would allow for 400 hours of additional (non-enforcement) personnel presence in Redondo Beach residential areas.
Grant funding from the Office of Traffic Safety provides opportunities for Police Officers to conduct public engagement and education as well as traffic law enforcement in specific areas of the City; this activity is conducted on a reimbursable overtime basis. Along with grant funding, additional budgeted overtime would allow for Police Officers to expand this type of outreach and engagement. A significant impact on residential traffic safety could be achieved with bi-monthly enforcement and education deployments throughout the fiscal year. Increasing the Department’s overtime budget by $25,000 would allow staffing of Traffic Officers for 250 hours during the fiscal year to conduct education, awareness and enforcement campaigns, in addition to any potential grant awards.
The City Council recently recommended the Police Department initiate a traffic safety campaign, “Drive Slow Redondo”. An awareness campaign has very little fiscal impact and promotes traffic safety through branding, marketing, and awareness. The “Drive Slow Redondo” campaign can be focused toward residential traffic safety awareness with negligible cost through the placement of banners, signage, and signboard trailers in residential areas.
Both fixed and mobile messaging and speed notification trailers are effective options to enhance traffic safety by posting them where traffic violations are most frequently reported. Generally, these options are placed on major arterial streets, however may also be positioned in residential areas. Fixed Electronic Speed Reminder signs provide a driver’s actual speed along with flashing light indicators when vehicle speed is excessive.
The City has several of these reminders throughout the City. The cost of the Electronic Speed Reminder is approximately $6,000 each and require City personnel to place. The installation of additional electronic feedback devices would provide a consistent and continual mechanism for reinforcement in areas of concern. This method could prove to be effective due to the considerable amount of residential areas within the City of Redondo Beach and the limited number of personnel available to engage in enforcement.
A Radar Trailer is a mobile radar system which records vehicle speed, displays the speed and provides traffic speed statistics. The Police Department purchased a single Radar Trailer in July 2021 for $13,745. This is a mobile unit that can be relocated based on need or areas of concern.
Electronic Sign Boards are another option to enhance traffic safety by positioning them where traffic violations are occurring. Digital messages may inform and warn drivers of traffic safety issues. The Police Department has purchased and utilizes three electronic sign boards. An electronic sign board costs approximately $16,000 each. The Electronic Sign Boards can have a variety of messaging and are relatively simple to relocate. A lower cost option for education and awareness can be provided through the use of fixed banners similar to the current “Drive Slow Redondo” banner campaign which has been established. Each printed banner ranges in cost from $1,500 - $2,000 depending on the size and specific design. Placement of the banners typically involves obtaining proper permits and identifying resources for installation. The downside of banners is that the message can’t be changed once printed and therefor requires the purchase of replacement banners whenever updating content.
Roadway engineering is a larger scale mitigation response which often requires a more robust process for planning, installation and, as a result, funding. Often these measures garner mixed reactions from residents, or other unintended impacts such as slowed response times for first responders. Some roadway engineering options for consideration are: speed cushions, speed bumps, flashing warning lights, illuminated stop signs, traffic circles and roadway narrowing. Each of these options would require coordination with the Public Works Department.
Below is a table summarizing the costs of each option noted in this BRR.
Traffic Unit Officer $215,000 Annually
Non-sworn support $10,000 One-time cost
Traffic Officer Equipment $33,400 One-time cost
O/T Traffic Deployments $25,000 One-time cost
Traffic Safety Campaign N/A
Fixed Speed Reminder $6,000 One-time cost
Radar Trailer $13,745 One-time cost
Electronic Sign Board $16,000 One-time cost
Fixed Banners $1,500 - $2,000 One-time cost
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #6
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost of four additional Police Officers assigned to Traffic Patrol? Response:
The mission of the Police Department’s Traffic Unit is to reduce the number of traffic accidents and collisions through enforcement and education. In addition to the enforcement of speeding, illegal maneuvers, stop light violations, and responding to traffic accidents, the Officers assigned to Traffic Patrol conduct special operations such as DUI Checkpoints, pedestrian safety details and targeted “Click it or Ticket” and distracted driving enforcement. The Traffic Unit is currently staffed with six (6) personnel: one (1) Motor Sergeant, four (4) Motor Officers, and one (1) Traffic Investigator. The total Unit operating budget is $2.7M including personnel, maintenance and operations, and internal service fund costs.
The breakdown to fund four (4) additional Police Officers for the Traffic Unit is as follows:
ON-GOING COSTS
Personnel $860,000 $215,000 per officer salary and fringe benefits Overtime $57,000 Current budget is $85K for 6 officers
Vehicle Replacement
Fund $15,500
Emergency Comm ISF $4,000
Maintenance and Repair $14,000
Uniform Replacement $2,000
Department Supplies $3,500
TOTAL ON-GOING $956,000
ONE-TIME COSTS
Motorcycles $92,000
Radios $28,800
Uniforms $12,800
TOTAL ONE-TIME $224,100
TOTAL YEAR 1 $1,180,100
BRR - Page 1
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #7
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost/benefit of restoring the Risk Manager position? Response:
The Human Resources Department provides City-wide support for the full employment life cycle, from the date of hire to retirement, for over 600 active employees, and risk management services to all City departments. In FY 2020-21, the full time Risk Manager position was cut from the HR budget due to COVID-related budget reductions and ongoing structural budget concerns. The value of the position at the time was approximately $180,000.
The risk management position historically worked with the City's risk pool (Public Risk, Innovation, Solutions and Management; also known as “PRISM”) to manage the City’s self-insurance program. Activities included managing participation in the City’s risk pool, determining amounts and types of coverage for the City to purchase and maintain, and managing the liability claims and workers' compensation claims programs in collaboration with Adminsure, the City’s contracted third-party administrator. In addition, the Risk Manager would perform ancillary duties such as appearing on behalf of the City in small claims court, attending mediations as a City representative, participating in unemployment hearings, analyzing and approving insurance coverage for City contracts, special events and film permits, and managing the City’s annual actuarial study of liability and workers’ compensation programs.
The Human Resources Director absorbed the bulk of the Risk Manager’s duties. It should be noted that following the elimination of the Risk Manager position, the City hired a second Human Resources Analyst to assist with general human resources duties and support some of the basic risk management functions (including claims processing).
Claims Data
In general, City claims have decreased by roughly 30% since the loss of the Risk Manager position in 2020. The reasons for the decrease aren’t entirely clear, however, some of the decrease is likely attributed to the pandemic. The total annual claims received by the City from 2017 to today are as follows:
• 2017 – 69 claims received
• 2018 – 67 claims received
• 2019 – 60 claims received
• 2020 – 12 claims received (likely an anomaly due to COVID-related lockdowns) BRR - Page 2
• 2021 – 41 claims received
• 2022 – 53 claims received
• 2023 – 20 claims received as of this report (halfway through year) Claims against the City predominantly fall into three categories; 1) property damage, 2) trip and fall, and 3) personal injury. Each claim received is investigated by the Human Resources Director (or HR designee) and the City department responsible for the involved program, service, or facility. While the Government Code provides many protections for public entities in regards to claims, oftentimes another entity is determined to be liable. In most cases, claims are rejected if the cause is determined not to be the City’s responsibility. When another party is determined to be liable, claims are not only rejected, but they are also tendered to the at-fault party. For example, this happens when a claim is determined to have occurred on private property, or was caused by a contractor or another public entity. Interestingly, since COVID, there has been an overall reduction in the number of claims received, and – of the claims received – fewer and fewer have been determined to have City responsibility.
Cost to Restore the Risk Manager Position
City bargaining units have seen a 3% increase in salary costs since the removal of the Risk Manager position, along with a marginal increase in health benefits. The total cost to restore this position at the previous salary level would be about $187,000 per year.
However, the previous Risk Manager did not have any specific certification or education in the risk management field. If this position was to be restored, it would make sense to hire a certified Risk Manager so that they would be well versed in developing risk management strategies across the organization through a comprehensive risk management plan. Activities could include collaborating with operating departments on how to mitigate risks and costs in areas that attract the most claims, such as street and sidewalk trip and falls. In addition, the Manager could develop performance measures to determine return on investment for their hire after a set period of time. Another consideration is that the labor market has changed markedly since 2021, as has been noted in the City’s recent classification and compensation study. If the City Council was to make the decision to restore the position, staff would recommend budgeting the position at a higher amount (estimated to be closer to $215,000 in total cost) in order to attract qualified candidates.
It should be noted that the City’s risk pool (PRISM) also maintains a team of experienced risk management consultants that are available to serve partner municipalities on an hourly basis.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #9
June 1, 2023
Question:
What are the current and future annual tree trimming costs? Response
The City’s urban forest is comprised of approximately 12,000 trees, located in parks, parkways, medians, and facility exteriors. Trimming is provided on a four-year cycle, with the majority of trees serviced once every four years, while most palm and Chinese elm trees are trimmed on a two-year cycle. The Public Works Department’s core budget for tree trimming is $250,600. Another $32,400 is typically available in the City’s Tree Enhancement Account to cover the cost of new tree plantings, bringing the total funds available for trimming and planting to $283,000 each year.
The City’s current agreement with West Coast Arborists for trimming and planting services will expire on July 3, 2023. Staff has negotiated terms for a four-year extension that will be brought to the Council for consideration on June 6, 2023. The proposed extension contains a total cost increase of 19.6%, which staff feels is reasonable and fair.
The pricing of the current Agreement has been fixed since July 2019, when the contract was approved through a request for proposals, and the proposed pricing for the extension period would be fixed until June 2027, so the 19.6% increase is in effect spread over an eight-year period.
If the extension is approved, the cost for services and the subsequent core funding/shortage over the next four years (absent the proposed budget modifications) would be as follows:
Projected Core Available Projected
Year Costs Funds Shortage
2023/2024 $594,781 $283,000 $311,781
2024/2025 $563,331 $283,000 $280,331
2025/2026 $652,139 $283,000 $369,139
2026/2027 $380.468 $283,000 $ 97,468
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Totals $2,190,719 $1,132,000 $1,058,719
The Urban Forrest is a key attribute to the community’s quality of life and regular trimming of the mature tree canopy is needed to protect the public from falling limbs and to protect the overall health of the tree. In order to pay for the increased costs, the City in recent years has appropriated one-time, supplemental, funds to cover the annual funding gap.
The proposed FY 2023-24 Budget, via Decision Package #32, includes an on-going increase to the tree trimming budget of $207,851 and a one-time appropriation of $103,930. The DP, if approved, would fully fund tree trimming services for FY 2023-24 and substantially reduce the gap between core contract funding and future year expenses.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #10
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the status of the Civic Center Landscaping Improvement and the Civic Center Storefront Improvement Projects?
Response
Waterwise Turf Replacement
On March 21, 2023, the City Council authorized staff to pursue a grant through West Basin Municipal Water District’s Public Agency Grass Replacement Rebate Program and use the funds to replace the roughly 43,000 square feet of grass at the Civic Center property. The rebate program provides funding and design assistance for agencies to remove turf in public spaces and replace it with drought-tolerant plant materials. Grants provide rebates of $4 for each square foot of replaced turf, up to 200,000 square feet. In addition, the City Council appropriated $120,000 in the FY 2022-23 Budget to help fund the turf replacement project.
West Basin’s design consultant, Swayzer Landscapes, is in the process of preparing a plan for the City. The first section of the plan, which covers the northeast area of the property along Carnelian Street and Pacific Coast Highway, has been completed. The remaining parts of the plan are expected to be completed by the end of June 2023. Staff will then solicit bids for removal of the turf and the installation of replacement materials and return to City Council for contract award.
Civic Center Courtyard Landscaping
In January 2022, the City Council awarded an agreement to Rainville Design Studio to design a complete renovation of the landscaping in the central courtyard area of the Civic Center, as well as the planter spaces along the walkway adjacent to the Main Library.
The design, which will include a water-wise landscaping master plan, a materials plan, irrigation and lighting system plans, and construction documents, is expected to be completed in July 2023. Staff will then bring the design to Council for consideration of approval and then solicit bids for implementation of the improvements. The FY 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes a recommended budget appropriation of $150,000 for the project.
Storefront Improvements
In addition to the landscaping, façade (‘storefront”) improvements will be implemented at City Hall through the replacement of windows, the repair of water damaged siding, and the modification of doorways as needed. The project currently has $222,750 in available carryover funding, and the FY 2023-24 CIP includes a recommended appropriation of an additional $200,000 to support the improvements. Staff are planning to meet with an architectural consultant to determine the scope of work that can be accomplished within the project budget. Additional funding may be required to complete all areas of the Civic Center that need improvement. The initial design work will focus on creating a detailed design standard so that the solicitation for repairs to windows and doors can match the available budget and then be reused in the future as additional funds become available.
Staff plan to engage the architectural consultant to assist with an interior space assessment at City Hall as well, to help design the tenant improvements needed to accommodate the relocation of the Community Services Department when their office lease on Artesia Blvd. expires in December 2024. $100,000 of funding for the assessment is available in the current CIP. An additional $200,000 is recommended in the FY 2023-24 CIP proposed budget to address the interior tenant improvements anticipated at City Hall.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #11
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the status of the City’s Harbor Dredging Project and the Army Corps of Engineers Breakwater Repair Project?
Response:
The City’s Harbor Dredging Project has received the permits required from the US Army Corps of Engineers and is in the final stages of design. Staff expects to bring construction plans and specifications to the City Council for consideration of approval on June 6th. Due to permit limitations that allow dredging to occur only after January 1st and prior to July 15th of a given year, construction is not scheduled to begin until January 2024. A more specific time line will be available once a contractor has been awarded the project. This CIP project is funded in the amount of $4.5M. Recent engineering estimates from the design consultant suggest a lower amount will be required and staff has proposed a reduction of $500,000 from this project budget to fund other Tidelands Fund eligible projects in the FY 2023-24 CIP proposed budget.
The breakwater that surrounds King Harbor is a Federally maintained structure and the City has little say in its upkeep. The City has been communicating the need for repairs to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the last several years, and preliminary engineering and environmental work has been done by the Corps to initiate repairs. This past winter brought heavy storms that further contributed to the degradation of the breakwater. In recognition of this concern staff requested a meeting with the Corps to express the need for immediate action. That meeting was held on June 1st. At the meeting, Corps personnel stated that they are nearing both design completion and environmental approval and expect that construction/repair of the breakwater would occur in Summer of 2024. Corps staff stated that this timeframe can not be accelerated because, by regulations, they are not allowed to advertise the project for bidding until the funding has been appropriated by Congress in the new Federal Fiscal Year, which begins in October.
The Corps also indicated significant lead time is required for contractors to process materials (i.e. procure/quarry the large rocks that make up the breakwater).
On a positive note, staff from the Corps confirmed that $10M has been included in the FY 2024 President’s Budget Request for breakwater maintenance and repairs in Redondo Beach and indicated that this amount of funding would be sufficient to complete the necessary work.
The Corps has scheduled its annual inspection of the break water for June 9th and will use information gained at the inspection to confirm or modify the project design and ensure their current plan of action is sufficient in the face of a potentially difficult winter as predicted by early forecasts for a heavy “El Niño” storm season in 2023-24.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #14
June 6, 2023
Question:
What are the costs to repair all City alleyways with a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) less than 25 and between 26 and 50?
Response:
The 2018 Pavement Management System Update – Alley Report (2018 Report) included a survey and evaluation of the pavement of alleys citywide and provided a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for each alleyway segment. The alleyways are currently being resurveyed and their updated PCI will be included in the 2023 Pavement Management Program update. This information will not be available until Fall 2023.
In the 2018 Report, there were 5 alley segments that had a PCI of 25 or less. However, PCI will decline over time and it is estimated that there are approximately 20 alley segments currently with a PCI of 25 or less throughout the City and another 20 segments with a PCI between 26 and 50.
The recommended treatment for segments with a PCI of 25 or less is typically a mill and thick overlay. For segments with a PCI of 26 to 50 a mill and thin overlay treatment is recommended. The 2018 Report estimated unit costs for treatment at $30 per square yard (SY) for mill and thick overlay and $20 per square yard for mill and thin overlay.
Given recent inflationary impacts, construction bids have come in much higher due to increases in the cost of materials and labor. Based on the City’s 2022 bids, the estimated cost for construction of a mill and thick overlay treatment, including design, construction management, inspection, and contingency is $84 per square yard. The estimated cost for construction of a mill and thin overlay, plus design, construction management, inspection, and contingency is $69 per square yard.
Alleyways with a PCI of 25 or less
Total square yardage: 23,180 SY
Unit cost for grind and thick overlay: $ 84 per SY
Cost for Rehabilitation: ~ $ 1,950,000
Alleyways with a PCI of 26 to 50
Total square yardage: 21,711 SY
Unit cost for grind and thin overlay: $ 69 per SY
Cost for Rehabilitation: ~ $ 1,500,000
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #15
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to remove and backfill the old pool structure at Aviation Park? Response
It is believed that the remnants of the old Aviation High School swimming pool remain beneath the ground in the field northeast of the Aviation Gymnasium. Records however are limited and further studies are needed to confirm this belief. In order to assess the area, boring samples must be taken throughout the property to 1) confirm that the old pool structure is in place and 2) determine the type of material used to fill the pool area in when it was covered.
If the boring samples confirm that the pool remains and an environmental assessment determines that the materials used to fill the pool, and the earth surrounding the pool, do not contain any hazardous materials, removing the pool structure would require excavation of approximately 9,400 cubic yards of materials from an area that is 140 feet long, 120 feet wide, and 15 feet deep. The materials would then be cleaned of any debris not suitable for backfilling, re-inserted, and the area would be recompacted. The estimated costs are as follows:
Boring and environmental testing: $ 18,000
Excavation, sifting and replacement of materials: $625,000 Total: $643,000
If the boring samples reveal the area contains environmentally-hazardous materials, the project scope would escalate and additional clean-up and backfill work would be needed resulting in supplementary costs of between $500,000 - $700,000.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report # 16
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost of installing exercise equipment at Aviation Park and Anderson Park and the feasibility of installing equipment in the SCE right-of-way? Response:
The estimated cost to install a standardized exercise station with two features such as the ones pictured below, including a concrete pad and poured-in-place padding to meet ADA requirements, would be as follows:
Materials and Installation: $35,000
Design (20%): $ 7,000
Project Management (20%) $ 8,400
Contingency (25%) $10,500
Cost Per Station $60,900
As both Aviation Park and Anderson Park could accommodate four stations, the total cost for each park would be approximately $243,600. This estimate assumes the exercise stations would abut existing walkways so that ADA access is more easily provided. If any of the stations are located away from walkways, there would be an additional cost to provide access.
Adding four new exercise stations to the City’s infrastructure would also create on-going costs for inspection, repairs, and preventative maintenance. The estimated 100 hours of services per year to maintain this additional equipment would cost roughly $5,000.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report # 17
June 6, 2023
Question:
What is the parking utilization rate at the Redondo Beach Transit Center (Transit Center)? Response:
The Transit Center parking lot was fully rehabilitated as part of the recently completed Transit Center project. It contains 320 spaces, of which, 204 are dedicated to transit staff and patrons according to the Federal and Metro funding agreement that helped finance the project. The remaining 116 spaces are assigned to be available to the Galleria Mall patrons and staff as part of their seasonal overflow parking, which was a condition of the Easement and Exchange Agreement (aka “Land Swap”) between the mall ownership and the City, approved by the City Council in 2013.
The Transit Center initiated operations at the new facility in January of 2023, as such, is only limited utilization data of the parking lot during full operations is available. In an effort to capture current data, staff counted vehicles twice daily for weekdays during the period May 15 to 25, 2023 and found an average of approximately 40 cars parked in the lot at any one time. Counts ranged between 25 and 55 vehicles when the lot was observed by staff. Daytime uses of the parking lot are believed to be from transit ridership, employees of the City’s transit operations contractor, and residents and staff of the pallet shelter facility.
Changes in the permanent designated use of any portion of the lot dedicated to transit related parking would require the City to renegotiate its funding agreement with Metro, and could result in having to return some proportional share of the funding received by the City. Changes in use of the parking dedicated to the Galleria Mall (soon to become the South Bay Social District) would require negotiations with the mall’s ownership group and would potentially require some relaxation of parking requirements memorialized in the current development agreements, City ordinances, or both. Temporary, alternative, use of the parking spaces while they are underutilized for either purpose, however, could be explored on a case by case basis. Eligibility would depend on the duration of the proposed use and the new purpose.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #18
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to paint traffic signal poles and arms? Response
There are 56 signalized intersections in the City. Staff solicited cost estimates from an established traffic signal restoration company for painting the signal poles and arms. The company provided estimates for three categories – small, medium and large intersections, as follows:
Size Example Estimated Cost
Small Artesia & Aviation Way $18,000
Medium Artesia & Rindge Lane $20,000
Large Artesia & Inglewood Avenue $25,000
This pricing includes all labor, materials, surface preparation, and traffic control. The total cost to perform painting for all 56 intersections would be as follows:
Small Intersections: 27 x $18,000 = $486,000
Medium Intersections: 13 x $20,000 = $260,000
Large Intersections: 16 x $25,000 = $400,000
Total: $1,146,000
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #19
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost of upgrading the Franklin Park basketball court and repairing or replacing the park’s trellis structures?
Response
Basketball Courts
The park has the atypical layout of two back-to-back half basketball courts. Staff has identified two options for upgrading the facility:
Option 1 – Keep the existing layout and replace the backboards and hoops. The cost would be $6,000.
Option 2 - Convert the area to a traditional full court, which would include:
• Removing the existing poles, backboards and goals
• Installing new poles with more modern backboards and goals • Patching the court surface and striping new court lines The total estimated cost for this option is $31,000.
The basketball court could potentially also accommodate two pickleball courts.
Trellis Structures
Franklin Park’s play areas contain three wooden trellis structures that are in very poor condition, as shown in the photos below. Staff has determined that the condition of the trellis structures necessitates replacement over repair. Replacing the three structures would involve the following:
Demolition and removal of existing structures: $10,000
Installation of five new support pillars: $15,000
Lumber for new like-for-like trellis structures: $30,000 Staining new trellis structures: $25,000
New hardware: $ 5,000
Labor to install trellis structures: $35,000
Project management (10%): $12,000
Contingency (20%): $30,000
Total: $162,000
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #20
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to landscape the medians on Lilienthal Lane between Fisk Lane and Ives Lane?
Response
The two roadway medians on Lilienthal Lane between Fisk Lane and Ives Lane contain approximately 14,000 square feet of surface area that is mostly concrete. A project to remove the concrete and install attractive, water-wise plant materials would include the following:
Demolition of poured in place concrete: $84,000
Installation of an irrigation system and plant materials: $196,000 Installation of new water meters: $8,000
Project design and management (20%): $57,600
Contingency (25%) $72,000
Total: $417,600
The medians contain 17 New Zealand Christmas Trees that would remain in place.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #21
June 1, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to landscape the median on Artesia Blvd. between Kingsdale Avenue and Grevillea Avenue?
Response
The small median on Artesia Boulevard, just east of Kingsdale Avenue, contains mostly dirt and some minor shrubs. The total area that would need to be landscaped is approximately 1,200 square feet. Minor field design may be necessary to follow the Artesia landscape pallet that was installed by the Public Works Department in 2018.
The median would require rehabilitation of the substrate, replacement of the irrigation system, and installation of new plant materials. The estimated cost is $22,000.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #23
June 6, 2023
Question:
What would it cost to conduct a Citywide Traffic Analysis, including local streets? Response:
Costs to conduct a Citywide Traffic Analysis will vary depending on the intent of the study, and the specific concerns or questions to be addressed. Typically, the data collected and analysis performed is different for thoroughfares (arterials and primary collectors) than it is for local streets (minor collectors and residential streets). The following high-level estimates are given by Fehr and Peers for various topics that are typically studied. Fehr and Peers is a traffic consulting services firm familiar with the City and assisting with the update of the City’s General Plan.
Updated intersection analysis in the City, $450,000
This type of study includes corridor simulation to test network cycle length. Modeling to develop and optimize corridor signal coordination would require additional work and fees.
This estimate includes anticipated data collection and modeling for approximately 88 intersections and assumes all new traffic counts. Development of a Synchro traffic model for the whole city would be prepared, with current geometries and signal timings to test intersection improvement options, including lane configuration and signal timing changes.
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plans (citywide by neighborhood), $500,000 This includes preparation or incorporation of GIS Inventory of the locations of current traffic calming elements, GIS Inventory of stop sign locations, speed surveys on local streets, and the evaluation and updating of City Traffic Calming Tools for Residential Streets to reflect latest practices, costs, guidance, etc. Traffic calming recommendations for residential streets by neighborhood will be developed and outreach to the community will be conducted to collect feedback on proposed recommendations. The consultant would analyze potential traffic diversion associated with traffic calming to refine recommendations and prepare Final Plans (by neighborhood), assuming 8-12 different neighborhoods of focus.
Prepare Detailed SCAG model to reflect most of the City roadway network, $100,000 The entails estimating traffic diversion from one street to the next based on capacity or travel time changes (e.g. slower speeds associated with traffic calming). This work and cost would be in addition to the updates Fehr and Peers are about to run in the model to reflect the future zoning in the Land Use Element Update.
For budget purposes, staff would estimate that at least $1,000,000 would be needed to address the above topics and other questions that would likely arise in the development of a comprehensive contract scope for citywide traffic analysis.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #24
June 9, 2023
Question:
How will the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s decision to end the Time Schedule Order (TSO) for the Seaside Lagoon impact water quality operations and the potential for additional fines from the facility’s water discharge?
Response:
The City’s NPDES discharge permit for the Regional Board was modified with a TSO for the five-year period that ended October 31, 2022. A TSO is an approved temporary and monitored transitional program allowed by the Regional Board when a facility cannot meet the water quality objectives assigned to it by the Regional Board. In the Seaside Lagoon’s case, the TSO was for water quality objectives related to the presence and concentration of dissolved metals (copper, selenium, silver, thallium, and zinc) in the discharge water from the Lagoon into King Harbor. The five-year period allows a safe harbor from liabilities related to violations of water quality objectives while the discharger (the City) works towards compliance with the water quality objectives.
The TSO included restrictions and conditions for monitoring, reporting, and ongoing studies and improvements. The City complied with the TSO and submitted the required reports to the Regional Water Board, including annual TSO progress reports and the “Identification of Structural Modifications and Treatment Controls” which was submitted on May 28, 2021. Based on the conclusions of the report, the City determined that the best approach to achieving compliance is to reconstruct the Lagoon including designing and constructing a “closed-loop” system, thereby eliminating the discharge to the Harbor and the need for a facility NPDES Permit.
Staff applied to renew the permit, including the TSO (with additional requested constituents such as residual chlorine), commensurate with its obligations under the NPDES Permit. The Regional Board recently informed staff that it would not extend the TSO and was therefore unprepared to issue a new permit prior to the start of the 2023 operating season at the Lagoon. The Lagoon may operate, and will do so under the previous permit (without the TSO), which regulates water quality discharge with respect to a number of constituents in the water including coliform bacteria, chlorine residual, turbidity, pH, metals, oil and grease, total suspended solids, and others.
The City is required to monitor the discharge several times per week during the operating season and provide test results to the Regional Board. When the presence and or concentrations of various pollutants exceed the numerical effluent limits, the City reports an “exceedance”. The exceedances are reviewed by the enforcement arm of the Regional Board. The enforcement staff determine which of the exceedances are considered violations and the City is then fined a mandatory minimum of $3,000 per violation by the Regional Board. The City can negotiate (or sue) to have some of the fines dismissed, but over the last several years the City has been fined an increasing amount as the requirements of the permit have become stricter and the capability of the aged facility to comply with the regulations has continued to decrease.
On July 26, 2022 a Settlement Agreement and Stipulation for Entry of Administrative Civil Liability Order was executed with the Board. The City agreed to settle for the amount of three-hundred ninety thousand dollars ($390,000) to resolve violations for a 5-year operating period. The City negotiated a Supplemental Environmental Project for one hundred ninety-five thousand dollars ($195,000) of the fine, to invest in a water quality improvement project. The City has been able to implement Supplemental Environmental Projects on two occasions to redirect the fine payments and invest in water quality improvement projects benefiting the region. During the 2022 operating period, the City had 70 exceedances. The Board hasn’t issued an enforcement action for the 2022 exceedances, however, per California Water Code Section 13385, a mandatory minimum penalty of three thousand dollars ($3,000) shall be assessed for each serious violation.
Therefore, the City could face up to $210,000 of fines for the 2022 operating season.
In addition to the fines, each violation exposes the City to potential legal action by third party concerns, typically environmentally oriented NGOs. Loss of the TSO will increase the exposure to both fines and legal action in the 2023 operating season for violations related to dissolved metals. The City’s exposure will remain the same as last year for other constituents, assuming the number of exceedances is similar. However, the exceedance profile is not very predictable, as weather, Lagoon usage, and background levels in harbor pollutants (source of the intake water to the Lagoon) all contribute to the water quality of the effluent.
Historical water quality monitoring results reveal that certain dissolved metals in the discharge may not comply with effluent limitations. The City can expect more exceedances of metals without the TSO in place, however, the Permit includes intake credits for metals that will help reduce some effluent exceedances. Reviewing the historical water quality sampling data for dissolved metals, the Lagoon would have received a total of 18 metals exceedances in a 4-year period without the TSO in place (4.5 exceedances per year). The Lagoon cannot consistently comply with final effluent limits for Total Residual Chlorine, Oil and Grease, and Indicator Bacteria (i.e., enterococci, fecal coliform, total coliform) so numerous other exceedances should be expected for these constituents. If the Lagoon operates in 2023 as it has in the past, it is possible the facility could experience as many as 75 water quality exceedances resulting in as much as $225,000 of fines.
The City is working with the enforcement arm of the Regional Board to better determine when exceedances should not be considered violations, based on the background conditions not related to activities in the Lagoon. The enforcement staff has been helpful in this conversation but is bound to their statutory requirements to impose fines as required by law.
As the Council is aware, the City entered into an agreement with Nuvis Consultants to renovate/rehabilitate the Seaside Lagoon. The design will build upon the approved Public Amenities Plan, which identifies design options for Seaside Lagoon based on community outreach. Under all options, the new facility design will include a closed loop system to address the issues with exceedances. Eliminating water discharge from the Lagoon is the only true way to avoid the risk of water quality violations.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #25
June 9, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to steam clean sidewalks?
Response
The cost to steam clean concrete sidewalks varies and can range from $0.11 per square foot (SF) to $0.45 per square foot. This depends on how often the area is serviced, what is being removed, i.e. gum, grease, oil, soot, bird dropping, etc. and other local requirements or restrictions. Detailed quotes can be provided once specific locations and restrictions are identified.
As an example, the City’s trash hauling contract with Athens Services contains annual pricing for steam cleaning services. The contract specifically provides quotes, and metrics for rate adjustments, for two areas in the City: the commercial segment of Artesia Boulevard between Aviation Boulevard and Hawthorne Boulevard (68,000 SF of sidewalk) and the Esplanade (42,000 SF of sidewalk).
Athens has provided updated FY 2023-24 costs, as per contract, to clean the length of Artesia and the Esplanade twice per month. The cost for these services, if utilized, would be $18,304 (~$0.13/SF) per month for Artesia and $9,151 (~$0.11/SF) per month for the Esplanade.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #26
June 6, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to design and install bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalks, and to improve stop sign visibility at the Diamond Street and N. Francisca Ave intersection and other general intersections not currently included in the Capital Improvement Program? Response:
Bulb-outs, enhanced crosswalks and improved stop sign visibility are elements often used by the City to improve pedestrian safety when crossing a street and to implement vehicle traffic calming. The City has recently installed similar improvements in the Dow / Johnson neighborhood, along Beryl Street at Harkness, in a midblock location at Avenue I, and at certain locations addressed in the recently completed residential rehabilitation project. A contract award has been made and construction is about to begin to install similar improvements along Grant Avenue.
Prices per bulb-out, for each of these installations, vary based on economies of scale, pertaining to whether the work is part of a change order or included in a base bid, and possible complications related to buried utilities, power poles, etc. For budget/cost purposes staff estimates $10,000 to $20,000 per corner for construction of the bulb-outs and $3,500 per intersection for the installation of enhanced pavement markings (e.g. crosswalks, “STOP” legends, etc.) and updated signage. Significant drainage improvements would also add to the cost if the bulb-outs require this work.
A cursory review of the Diamond Street and N. Francisca Avenue intersection (where storm drains, street lights and/or power poles exist on every corner) suggests the improvements would be at the higher end of the range, likely $80,000 to $100,000 for the intersection if included in a base bid with other similar work.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #27
June 6, 2023
Question:
How many City trees were planted during FY 2022-23 and how many are proposed to be planted in FY 2023-24?
Response
Based on available funding and resources, the Public Works Department plants approximately 100 new trees each year. For FY 2022-23, the City Council approved Decision Package #63 which provided $147,000 in one-time funding to plant 350 trees.
West Coast Arborists, the vendor used for both tree trimming and planting, experienced some staffing issues during the year that resulted in scheduling delays. To date, in this Fiscal Year, 200 trees have been planted. Any funding remaining for the tree plantings not completed in FY 2022-23, will be carried over into FY 2023-24 for project execution.
As a result, the Department expects to plant roughly 250 trees in FY 2023-24.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #28
June 9, 2023
Question:
When did the City adopt the new street signage plan? Where has it been deployed? How much would it cost to replace all of the remaining street name signs and the internally illuminated box signs on traffic signals?
Response:
The City adopted its current wayfinding program in the early 2000s and has used it as a standard to implement wayfinding signage, including gateway/monument signs, directional signage, overhead street signs, and street name signs for both major and residential streets since that time. Generally, there has not been a Citywide effort to convert the old street name signs. The new signage is installed periodically on a project by project basis. An exception to this is the installation of overhead illuminated street signs at major intersections that have all been completed. Additionally, gateway monuments and overhead directional signage throughout the City have been installed per the adopted standard. To date, street name signs have been upgraded at approximately 80 intersections throughout the City. An excerpt of the adopted Wayfinding Signage and Graphics program related to street name signs prepared by Hunt and Associates is attached.
When a small quantity of street name replacement signs is required, City staff perform the work in-house. The cost for staff to upgrade signs at a typical residential street intersection is approximately $450 ($250 for materials and $200 for labor). For a larger volume of replacement, the City would engage a contractor. Staff estimates the cost to upgrade the 1,400 remaining intersections in the City is roughly $672,000, including a 20% contingency. However, the construction cost environment is somewhat volatile, and a more precise estimate would require a more developed project scope.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #29
June 9, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to add certifying “Blue Check Marks” to the City’s Social Media Accounts? Response:
The City currently has active social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Staff attained control of the City’s LinkedIn profile in 2022, and verified it as the City’s official page through a simple email and phone confirmation process. Verification on Facebook and Instagram – distinguished by a Blue Check Mark in the profile – requires the following steps:
Instagram
Verifying the City’s page on Instagram involves a process called "Instagram verification," where the platform confirms the authenticity and legitimacy of the account. Instagram verification is primarily available for notable public figures, celebrities, brands, and entities that have a high likelihood of being impersonated. The verification process is managed through a request form on the Instagram app and is free to submit. However, verification through this option is particularly difficult as Instagram makes determinations based on account following (both number and authenticity) as well as more subjective factors such as notability of the account holder. To-date, staff has submitted 3 verification requests to Instagram, with all three being denied. There is a mandatory 30-day wait period between each verification request.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, recently launched a “Meta Verification” program that allows Instagram account holders to pay for the Blue Check Mark verification. The program has been rolled out in phases and is not available in all areas. Staff has reviewed the status of the Program and confirmed that the City’s account is eligible for the Program.
The cost for this Program is $14.99/month for a total of $179.88/year.
Facebook
Page verification on Facebook works similarly to that of Instagram, as they share the same parent company, Meta. As with Instagram, traditional Facebook verification is also free, though difficult to attain. Requests for verification for the City’s pages have been denied, and staff will continue to submit requests at regular intervals. Staff is also requesting Facebook Help Center assistance to both attain verification as well as eliminate duplicate or unofficial City Facebook pages.
Getting verified on Instagram (traditionally or through Meta Verified program) does not automatically result in verification for the City’s connected Facebook page. Instagram and Facebook are separate platforms, and their verification processes are independent of each other. Staff reviewed the status of the Meta Verification Program for Facebook and, unfortunately, the option is not yet available for the City’s page. However, the City is able to get on the waitlist so that staff are notified of the Program’s status once it becomes available. Should the Council pursue Meta Verification for the City’s Facebook page, the cost is the same as Instagram: $14.99/month for a total of $179.88/year.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #30
June 6, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to replace the bollards at Perry Park? Response
The vehicular entrances to Perry Park on Rockefeller Lane and Slauson Lane contain a total of 11 eight-inch removable bollards. The estimated cost to replace all 11 bollards is $7,000, assuming installation by City crews.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #35
June 9, 2023
Question:
What is the process and cost to re-implement the Senior Lunch Program at Perry Park? Response:
Prior to the pandemic, the City of Redondo Beach hosted a senior lunch program in partnership with the Young Men, Women and Children Association (YMCA) of Torrance.
The YMCA served lunch at Perry Park Senior Center Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and averaged 18 participants (50% were non-residents). The YMCA also served lunch at Veteran’s Park Senior Center Tuesdays and Thursdays and averaged 3 participants. As a result of low participation at the Veterans Park Senior Center, funding provided to the YMCA by LA County for the program was pulled in November 2019, resulting in the elimination of lunch service at that location. In 2020, in response to strict COVID-19 guidelines, the program was paused at Perry Park until protective regulations were lifted. Staff and representatives from the YMCA have, over the last few months, held several meetings to discuss the necessary steps to reinstate the program, specifically at the Perry Park Senior Center.
Recently, staff held multiple walkthroughs of the facility, and coordinated a facility audit by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health personnel, to ascertain facility needs for the service of food. It was determined that the facility would need electrical upgrades to support required kitchen equipment such as a commercial freezer and steam table.
The Public Works Department reviewed the specs for the equipment to determine the necessary facility upgrades and estimated that the work would cost $30,000. Currently, there are no funds dedicated specifically for this purpose. The YMCA has offered to provide the necessary equipment, but is relying on the City to enhance the facility’s electrical infrastructure. A budget appropriation in the above amount would be needed for completion of the improvements prior to reinstating the lunch program or, in the alternative, the Council could direct that a portion of the $144,000 dedicated to the Perry Park Teen Center Renovation Project be used to fund the electrical upgrades.
If funding is provided to upgrade the electrical infrastructure at the Perry Park Senior Center, staff would work with YMCA representatives to obtain the required certifications and permits once the upgrades are completed. In this scenario, the YMCA meals are estimated to cost seniors $4 per meal, as long as the City agrees to contribute $17,000 annually to subsidize YMCA’s expenses similar to the previous program. In the meantime, staff has inquired if the YMCA has other meal service opportunities that seniors could participate in such as home delivery or cold meals. Unfortunately, all options provided by the YMCA are reliant on the electrical infrastructure repairs needed at the Perry Park Senior Center.
The YMCA program is not the only option available to the City to reinstate the senior lunch program. In researching alternatives, staff consulted with the City of Manhattan Beach, which intends to resume its senior lunch program using a private catering company in July of 2023. The cost from their identified provider, Diana’s Catering Inc, is $8 per meal and the service can accommodate pre-packaged, frozen, or hot meals. If the cost to program participants remains $4 per meal, the City would be responsible for half of the overall catering costs.
Below are options/costs for usage of Diana’s Catering vs YMCA for an average of 18 meal service participants.
Catering
Provider
Days Services can
be offered
Cost to
participant
per meal
Estimated Annual Cost to City
Diana’s
Catering
Monday,
Wednesday, Friday $4 $11,232 (City covers $4 per meal)
Diana’s
Catering Monday-Friday $4 $18,720 (City covers $4 per meal) YMCA Monday-Friday $4 $17,000 (subsidizes YMCA costs)
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #41
June 9, 2023
Question:
What are the costs to repair the Dale Page Park bathrooms? Response:
As part of Regional Park Restroom Improvement CIP, Project No. 30790, the Public Works Department is in the process of ordering materials for renovation of the restrooms at Del Page Park. This will include the replacement of the bathroom partitions, light fixtures, hand dryers, and interior/exterior painting.
This work is currently scheduled for August 2023. Portable restrooms will be made available during the course of renovations.
The cost of the work is $25,000 and funding is available in the Regional Park Restroom Project Account. No additional appropriation is needed at this time.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #42
June 13, 2023
Question:
What are the costs to repair the steep dip in the street on the west side of the Ruhland and MacKay intersection?
Response
The “dip” is an old deteriorated cross gutter along the west side of the Ruhland and MacKay intersection. Repairing the area would include replacing the dip with a wider 6- foot cross gutter, per Standard Plan 122-3 of the Greenbook, and installing surrounding pavement. This work is estimated to cost $18,000, is already on the Public Works Department’s annual maintenance schedule, and is set to begin the week of June 12, 2023. Funding for the work is available in the Department’s FY 2022-23 operating budget.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report # 45
June 6, 2023
Question:
What are the costs to make the following improvements at Franklin Park:
• Add an all-abilities play structure (with potential sensory den) • Provide more frequent cleaning of the play structures at the park and post the cleaning schedule to assist immunocompromised children
Response:
Franklin Park is a neighborhood park located at 807 Inglewood Avenue. The park includes a playground, restrooms, and two half-court basketball courts. The playground, located on the south end of the park, includes partially covered equipment, multiple slides, bridges, and climbing features.
Staff contacted Great Western Playground, the company providing the equipment for the Dominguez Park playground replacement, to inquire about all-inclusive playgrounds. The following playground system was provided as an example of what is possible within the existing footprint of the Franklin Park playground; there are many options for fullyinclusive equipment, ranging in a variety of costs and abilities.
The estimated cost for the playground shown above is $338,000, which would include demolition of the existing playground and surfacing and installation of new replacement equipment and playground surfacing. This inclusive playground design includes a series of low-level ramps that provide access throughout the structure that allow those relying on wheeled devices to navigate any space. There are a wide range of sensory options for supplemental equipment that can be incorporated into the playground for an additional cost.
Enhanced cleaning of the playground would total approximately $140 per cleaning, and take approximately four (4) hours to complete, each time. One cleaning per week would total $7,280 annually. Twice weekly cleaning would cost $14,560. This cleaning would not guarantee that the playground remains free of germs at all times, but would eliminate the buildup of dirt and work towards lowering the spread of germs on high-touch surface areas as much as possible. Signage would cost an additional $500 per sign, and could be posted throughout the playground area, noting the dates that cleaning is scheduled to occur.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #47
June 9, 2023
Question:
What is the status of the Ito Family Park dedication plaque/monument project? Response:
In 2021, the Historical Commission requested the Public Art Commission consider the installation of a historical mural or art installation at the Ito Family Open Space, located on the corner of Ripley Avenue and Flagler Lane. This installation would focus on art and history, specifically in celebration of the park’s namesake, the Ito family. The Public Art Commission assigned this task to the Mural Subcommittee and then later to the Historical Commission Liaison group who developed a preliminary conceptual plan that includes select plants, trees, monument pieces, signage and fencing.
This conceptual plan was provided as an update at the Public Art Commission’s June 1, 2022 meeting. A formal review and discussion of the conceptual plan was provided to the Public Art Commission at its July 27, 2022 meeting. Overwhelmingly, the Public Art Commission was in support of the concepts and overall design of the park. The Historical Commission reviewed the recommended conceptual plan at its August 17, 2022 meeting and similarly, supported the work and park enhancements provided by the liaison group.
The conceptual plan was then presented to the Recreation and Parks Commission at its regular meeting on October 12, 2022. The commission fully supported the concept and requested that there be community outreach efforts implemented when finalizing the design to ensure updates to the park meet the needs of regular park users and are consistent with the cultural theme.
Recently, a plaque was installed at the park to commemorate the Ito family and the naming of the park in their honor. The plaque language and format were prepared by the Historical Commission.
Should the City Council want to move forward with the full renovation of the park, preliminary funding would be required to develop the final design. The cost to design and prepare construction plans and specifications for the proposed project is estimated to be $50,000 to $75,000. The cost to construct the proposed project (depending on the final design) is estimated to be $400,000 to $800,000.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #48
June 9, 2023
Question:
What would it cost to repair (grind and overlay) the following street segments? a. Broadway Ave. - between Beryl and Carnelian
b. Emerald St. - between Broadway and PCH
c. Emerald St. - between PCH and Francisca
d. Emerald St. - between Juanita and Lucia
e. Emerald St. - between Lucia and Prospect
f. Spencer St. - between El Redondo and Irena
g. Juanita Ave. - between Spencer and Emerald
h. Diamond St. - between Maria and Lucia
Response:
Below are the estimated costs to grind and overlay the identified street segments, assuming they are constructed as part of a larger project rather than a standalone effort:
Cost per Unit Resource
Mill & Thick Overlay $ 30.00 SY 2020 PMS Report
Construction Cost $ 54.00 SY 2022 Res St Rehab Bid - Construction costs only Project Costs $ 72.90 SY Construction costs x 1.35 (CM, Inspection, Design) Estimated Total Project
Cost $ 84.00 SY Includes 15% for contingency & escalation Street Begin End PCI Area
(SF)
Area
(SY)
Estimated
Cost Comments
a. Broadway Beryl Carnelian 52 32112 3568 $ 299,712
b. Emerald* Broadway PCH 50 11808 1312 $ 110,208 *Caltrans Permit required
c. Emerald* PCH Francisca 56 12744 1416 $ 118,944 *Caltrans Permit required
d. Emerald Juanita Lucia 52 13824 1536 $ 129,024
e. Emerald Lucia Prospect 49 12168 1352 $ 113,568
f. Spencer* El Redondo Irena 47 14508 1612 $ 135,408
*Various private
encroachments in
ROW. Without Curb,
Gutter and Sidewalk.
g. Juanita Spencer Emerald 48 7380 820 $ 68,880
h. Diamond Maria Lucia 53/57 22334 2482 $ 208,451
Total $1,200,000
*May require additional funding and time to obtain permits. **Constructing these segments as standalone projects would significantly increase the cost.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #49
June 9, 2023
Question:
What would it cost to repair (grind and overlay) the following alleyway segments? a. Alley Between Lucia and Maria, between Carnelian and Diamond b. Alley Between Lucia and Maria, between Diamond and Del Amo c. Alley / New High Ct between Garnet and Torrance
Response:
Below are the estimated costs to grind and overlay the identified alleyway segments assuming the work is part of a larger project and isn’t performed on a standalone basis:
Cost per
Unit Resource
Mill & Thick Overlay $30.00 SY 2018 Alley PMS Report
Construction Cost $54.00 SY 2022 Res St Rehab Bid - Construction costs only Project Costs $72.90 SY Construction costs x 1.35 (CM, Inspection, Design) Estimated Total Project
Cost $84.00 SY Includes 15% for contingency & escalation Alleyway Begin End PCI Area
(SF)
Area
(SY)
Estimated
Cost Comments
a. Lucia Carnelian Diamond 28 12,800 1422 $119,467 *Only 1/2 of alley has a v-gutter
b. Lucia Diamond Del Amo 25 10,900 1211 $101,734
c. New High Ct Garnet Torrance 38 10,890 1210 $101,640
Total $325,000
*May require additional funding.
**Any alleyway segment repaired on a standalone basis would significantly increase the estimated cost for construction.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #50
June 9, 2023
Question:
Is it possible to slurry seal the street and alleyway segments identified in BRRs 48 and 49? If so, what are the estimated costs? What is the cost to slurry seal Lucia Ave. between Vincent and Emerald?
Response:
Three of the street segments identified in BRR 48 are eligible for slurry seal. Below are the estimated costs for those segments and the cost to slurry seal Lucia Ave between Vincent and Emerald assuming they are part of a larger project:
Cost per Unit Resource
Slurry with Base
Repairs $8.00 SY 2020 PMS Report
Construction Cost $16.15 SY 2022 Citywide Slurry Seal Bid - Construction costs only Project Costs $21.80 SY Construction costs x 1.35 (CM, Inspection, Design) Estimated Total Project
Cost $25.00 SY Includes 15% for contingency & escalation Street Begin End PCI Area
(SF)
Area
(SY)
Estimated Project
Cost Comments
Emerald* Broadway PCH 50 11808 1312 $ 32,800 *Requires
Caltrans Permit
Emerald PCH Francisca 56 12744 1416 $ 35,400 *Requires
Caltrans Permit
Emerald Juanita Lucia 52 13824 1536 $ 38,400
Lucia Vincent Emerald 54/58 40350 4483 $112,084
Total $218,684
*May require additional funding and time to obtain permits. **Constructing any of these segments as standalone projects would significantly increase the cost.
Notes:
1. Streets designated as an Arterial or Collector are not recommended for slurry treatment.
2. Streets designated as Residential or Other (alleyways) and have a PCI less than 50 are not recommended for slurry treatment.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #51
June 9, 2023
Question:
What are the costs of erecting banner signs on street light poles along Artesia Blvd and/or in the Restaurant Node areas identified in the AACAP?
Response:
The installation of banner bracket hardware to display decorative signs on street light poles would require structural inspection and analysis of the existing light poles. This process would help identify any issues caused by the added structural load the banners may present, including possible wind load stress. Additional materials testing may be needed to ensure structural integrity of the light poles and confirm that the poles can accommodate the brackets and banners.
A banner sign program on Artesia Blvd and in the Restaurant Node area would require approximately 140 bracket sets. Estimated costs are as follows, assuming the existing street light poles can safely accommodate the installation following the structural review:
Structural review: $11,000
Purchase and installation of hardware: $32,200
Total: $43,200
This estimate does not include the manufacture, installation and removal of the banners as this would be based on the type of seasonal displays and advertising promotions.
The anticipated cost for on-going maintenance of the bracket hardware is $10,000 per year.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report # 53
June 6, 2023
Question:
Is it feasible, and what is the cost, to conduct trash cleanup twice per day at Veterans Park?
Response:
The trash collection in the Veterans Park area is conducted by a number of different parties, including Public Works Parks and Pier divisions, as well as Athens Services. If staff levels allow, it is feasible to increase the collection in the park to twice daily and to increase the collection along George Freeth Way to once daily Monday- Saturday.
Currently, the Public Works Parks Division collects the trash from the mixed-waste City receptacles in Veterans Park daily (Monday – Sunday) in the morning. The work is carried out by two staff members and takes approximately one hour. The fully-loaded hourly rate of the two-person team is $83.65. The annual cost to add an additional Parks Division trash collection daily would be $30,532. The increased cost to add one additional trash pick-up during the busier summer months only (May - October) would be approximately $15,224.
Athens Services collects the trash from the thirteen mixed-waste City receptacles beside Veterans Park, along George Freeth Way, once a day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As per the contract with Athens Services, this service level may be increased if demands necessitate at no additional cost to the City. It may be prudent to include George Freeth Way in the summer schedule for collection to mirror the Esplanade collection. That schedule is once a day Monday – Saturday in the summer and Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the winter. An annual cost estimate for increased service in Veterans Park for 15 hours of additional clean-up service is $1,255.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code section 2-7.02 (a) identifies the regulation for care of abandoned property. Any items which reasonably appear to be a person’s possessions, such as clothing, books, bags, appliances, hobby equipment, electronics or bedding are marked by Police Department personnel. After 48 hours, the items are removed and stored for up to 90 days. Van Lingen Tow Company provides the removal and storage of personal property. Any other items which are reasonably identified by the Police Department as refuse, such as food waste, recyclables or personal items infested with vermin will be collected and disposed of properly by the Public Works Department. Public Works crews are dispatched to remove these items on a case by case basis.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #54
June 9, 2023
Question:
What are the costs to beautify and/or install raised gardens on the City owned lot at the south east corner of Grant Ave and Inglewood Ave?
Response:
The City has received Metro funding for (and is finalizing) purchase of a ~6,300 square foot (SF) parcel at the south east corner of Grant Avenue and Inglewood Blvd. The City already owns a small ~1,630 SF parcel adjacent to this site, and holds ~13,000 SF of public right-of-way (platted as the extension of Ripley Avenue) to the east of Inglewood Blvd. Together these parcels will form a City owned lot of about 20,000 square feet. The portion purchased with Metro’s grant funding must be used for Active Transportation purposes, though the City is not similarly restricted in improvement options for the remainder of the property. The ~20,000 SF area adjoins the Pacific Crest Cemetery on its southeasterly side along an approximately 300-foot fence line. See map below for reference.
Beautifying the southeasterly boundary can be accomplished with landscaping and the installation of vertical structures. Concepts for the vertical portion could range from a simple trellis to support a vegetation screen to a much more substantial multi-level tiered concrete planter. A preliminary cost estimate for the vertical structures to screen the 300- foot fence line can range from $25,000 to $100,000. In addition, landscaping needs to be purchased and installed for the 300-foot by 10-foot space in front of the screen. The typical unit cost for installation of landscaping and irrigation is estimated at $12 per square foot, resulting in a landscape cost of $36,000 for these assumptions.
Adding the structural and landscaping elements together and escalating their costs by another 25% to 30% for overall project management, design services, contractor overhead, etc., amounts to a high-level budget range of about $75,000 to $175,000 for landscape beautification installation along the southeasterly property line. As mentioned above, the lower end of the estimate ($75,000) would include a more traditional landscaped planter space with a trellis backdrop. The higher end of the estimate ($175,000) would provide for the inclusion of terraced concrete.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #55
June 9, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to add a pollinator fountain (basalt rock fountain) to the Civic Center Landscape Improvement Project?
Response
On March 21, 2023, the City Council authorized staff to pursue a grant through West Basin Municipal Water District’s Public Agency Grass Replacement Rebate Program and use the funds to replace the roughly 43,000 square feet of turf at the Civic Center property with water-wise plants and shrubs. West Basin’s design consultant, Swayzer Landscapes, is in the process of preparing a plan for the City, which is expected to be completed by the end of June 2023.
Pollinator fountains and gardens are designed to provide food, water, and shelter to animals that pollinate plants to support the local ecosystem, such as bees and butterflies. The cost to add a pollinator fountain to the Civic Center Project, such as the ones shown below, would be about $4,000 per fountain, including materials, irrigation adjustments, and installation.
Basalt Rock Fountain Pollinator Fountain
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #58
June 6, 2023
Question:
What is the total cost of the City for providing crossing guard services and how much has the cost increased over the past five years?
Response:
Crossing guards offer a valuable community service by ensuring safety for students and other pedestrians who walk to and from various school locations in Redondo Beach each day. The Crossing Guard program is managed by the Special Operations Bureau of the Police Department. The City provides crossing guards for 25 locations which have been identified by the Police Department and the City Council as high traffic pedestrian crossing areas in close proximity to schools. The locations are noted in the chart below.
Part-time City employed Crossing Guards are hired through the Police Department, along with the use of contract services to bridge gaps in coverage. When vacant locations occur, personnel from other areas of the Police Department, such as Municipal Services or Code Enforcement, are diverted from their primary assignment to assist with coverage.
Historically, there has been difficulty in hiring, retaining, and consistently filling part-time crossing guard positions based on the limited candidate pool. During FY 2022-23, City Council approved an increase to the pay range of $20-25 per hour for the Crossing Guard positions, with the goal to improve recruitment and move away from the more costly contract services.
Crossing guard staffing is split into morning and afternoon shifts of two (2) hours each, for a total of four (4) hours, for the 180 days in each school year. Using an average pay rate of $23 per hour, the total rate for a single City-employed Crossing Guard for the entire school year is $16,560. The estimated average cost to staff all 25 locations is therefore $414,000.
Additionally, the Police Department has an annual agreement with All Cities Management, Inc. (ACM) for contract services to supplement vacant crossing guard positions in order to avoid the Police Department from reassigning other full-time personnel to Crossing Guard coverage. All Cities Management has quoted a cost of $32.28 per hour for FY 2023-24 to renew the agreement for the next school year. The cost for a single contracted Crossing Guard through ACM for the entire school year is $23,242, almost $7,000 more than a City-employed Crossing Guard.
The total cost related to crossing guard services has increased significantly over the last five (5) years. In FY 2018-19 the total amount expended for part-time personnel was $182,361 for the coverage of 22 locations. However, this cost does not account for the full-time Police personnel that were pulled from other duties in order to cover vacant locations. Contract services were not utilized in FY 2018-19.
Fiscal Years 2019-20 and 2020-21 were outlier years due to COVID-19 school closures.
These years also presented new and continuing challenges in recruiting Crossing Guards as the candidate pool for employees decreased. More individuals opted to limit public contact and pursue jobs that allowed them to work from home.
In FY 2021-22, contract crossing guard services were implemented to reduce the number of times full-time staff were redirected from other duties. Program expenditures totaled $273,379 for part-time personnel and an additional $82,823 for contract services, for a grand total of $356,202 in FY 2021-22. Although contract services eased some of the burden of assigning full-time staff for coverage, they did not fully offset that need.
Based on Year-to-Date expenditures for FY 2022-23, the projected costs will be similar to FY 2021-22, approximately $350K, with an additional three (3) locations added for a total of 25 intersections. However, again, this cost does not account for the full-time Police personnel that were regularly pulled from other duties to cover vacant locations.
For FY 2023-24, there is hope that a combination of higher paid City of Redondo Beach employed Crossing Guards and contract services through ACM will allow for a consistent staffing of all 25 locations and eliminate the use of other full-time resources. The estimated costs for the FY 2023-24 Crossing Guard program are as follows if all 25 locations are consistently staffed without pulling Police personnel from other assignments:
19 – City employed positions at a maximum cost of $314,640. 6 – contracted crossing guards at a cost not to exceed $135,000.
Total cost not to exceed $449,640. This hard cost total is more than double what was provided to the Crossing Guard program five years ago.
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #59
June 9, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to repair the alleyway between Armour Lane and 190th Street? Response:
Below are the estimated costs to grind and overlay the three identified alleyway segments between Armour Lane and 190th Street, assuming they are constructed as part of a larger street rehabilitation project. Constructing these alley segments as a standalone effort would significantly increase the estimated costs:
Cost per
Unit Resource
Mill & Thick Overlay $ 30.00 SY 2018 Alley PMS Report
Construction Cost $ 54.00 SY 2022 Res St Rehab Bid - Construction costs only Project Costs $ 72.90 SY Construction costs x 1.35 (CM, Inspection, Design) Estimated Total
Project Cost $ 84.00 SY Includes 15% for contingency & escalation Alleyway Begin End PCI Area
(SF)
Area
(SY) Estimated Cost Comments
a.
Armour to
190th
Pruitt Inglewood 46 20700 2300 $ 193,200
b. Armour to
190th
Firmona west end 25 7700 856 $ 71,867
c.
Armour to
190th
Firmona east end 18 5200 578 $ 48,534
Total $ 313,601
CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #64
June 9, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to repaint the poles supporting the Redondo Beach King Harbor Gateway Sign?
Response
The estimated cost to repaint the poles supporting the Redondo Beach King Harbor sign is $74,000, including materials, labor, and a 20% contingency. The re-painting process would include one coat of rust preventative coating on visibly rusted areas, followed by two coats of epoxy primer, and one coat of epoxy polymer.