Administrative
Report
H.17., File # 24-1542 Meeting Date: 9/17/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2409-083, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE REPAIR OF THE WILDERNESS PARK LOWER POND AS "REPAIR" AND EXEMPTING IT FROM BIDDING REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 19 AND 19.1(A) OF THE CITY CHARTER OF
REDONDO BEACH
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council has designated improvements at Wilderness Park as a priority project for the upcoming fiscal year, allocating $800,000 toward this effort in the FY 2024-25 budget. A key focus of the improvements is the restoration of the Lower Pond to its original operational state.
Approval of this item will formally classify the Lower Pond restoration as a "repair" project, exempting it from bidding requirements under Sections 19 and 19.1(a) of the Redondo Beach City Charter. Staff is currently collaborating with a pond restoration specialist to finalize the scope of work and project costs, and will bring the contract to the City Council for consideration of approval at a later date.
BACKGROUND
During the FY 2024-25 budget adoption process, the City Council considered a Budget Response Report detailing the Wilderness Park Master Plan, which highlighted key improvements and associated estimated costs. As part of the final budget motion, the Council allocated $800,000 for improvements and repairs at Wilderness Park, including the restoration of the Lower Pond.
The Lower Pond at Wilderness Park was once a key attraction, designed to replicate a natural wetland environment. It featured a stream, a pond with aquatic plants, and vernal bog areas, serving as both a natural habitat and a conservation space. Over time, however, the pond has fallen into disrepair and is no longer functional. The proposed project seeks to restore the Lower Pond and its infrastructure to its original design and operational state.
Scope of Repair Effort:
· Repair the pond liner to eliminate leaks
· Repair the stream liner to prevent water los
· Restore the water circulation and filtration systems, including plumbing, pumps, electrical components, and related infrastructure
· Ensure the pond is returned to its intended function as a fully operational conservation pond
H.17., File # 24-1542 Meeting Date: 9/17/2024
While final costs are yet to be determined, staff estimate the repair will cost approximately $500,000.
According to Section 19 of the City Charter, public works projects exceeding $200,000 must be awarded to either: (1) the lowest responsible bidder, or (2) a best value design-build entity, following a request for proposal. However, Section 19.1(a) provides an exemption for projects designated as "maintenance" or "repair." The City Council may, through ordinance or resolution, designate the repair of the Wilderness Park Lower Pond as a "repair" project, thereby exempting it from the bidding process.
Staff is currently collaborating with a restoration specialist to finalize the scope of work and to develop a precise project cost estimate. An agreement for the repair work will be brought to City Council for consideration at a later date.
COORDINATION
The Wilderness Park Community Center Improvements and Pond Redesign Repair Project, Job No. #31010 will be coordinated through the Public Works and Community Services Departments. The City Attorney’s Office prepared the Resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT
Until proposals are received for the repair of the Wilderness Park lower pond, the exact cost remains unknown; however, it is estimated to be approximately $500,000. These funds are available in the FY 2024-25 Budget, which includes $800,000 for Wilderness Park improvements.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Resolution No. CC-2409-083