City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 1
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $50,000 FROM THE REGIONAL PARK SPECIAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR EROSION REPAIRS AT MOUNT RUBIDOUX ISSUE:
Authorize a supplemental appropriation of $50,000 from the Regional Park Special Capital Improvement fund for erosion repairs at Mount Rubidoux.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council, with at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $50,000 in the Regional Park Special Capital Improvement Fund, Mount Rubidoux Wall Repair project.
BACKGROUND:
Mount Rubidoux Park covers 161 acres and features 3.5 miles of paved trail and several dirt hiking trails open to pedestrians from dawn until dusk.
On June 6, 2017, the City adopted Resolution No. 23184, authorizing agents of the City of Riverside to file applications and requesting release of funds for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and/or state financial assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act.
On February 14, 2019, high surface runoff from heavy rain events eroded the native embankment supporting the asphalt roadway and the grouted armoring protecting the roadway in three locations, along with a grouted stone retaining wall at a 4th location along the existing recreational trail.
On May 24, 2019, the City submitted a Request for Public Assistance application with FEMA for the repairs of erosion damage at Mount Rubidoux Park.
On May 19, 2020, FEMA approved the application by the City of Riverside for the Mount Rubidoux Road Erosion Repairs and Mount Rubidoux Wall Erosion Repairs projects in the amount of $352,335.34 total.
On November 16, 2021, the City of Riverside entered into a consultant agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. for the planning and design of the Mount Rubidoux Wall/Road Erosion Repairs Project in the amount of $110,966.75.
On February 21, 2023, the City of Riverside entered into a construction agreement with Issa Electric Inc., for asphaltic concrete paved trail repairs, gabion baskets for erosion control, and repairs/refurbishment of an existing historic retaining wall at the top of the mountain that failed.
DISCUSSION:
On May 12, 2023, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCSD) did a substantial completion walk with Issa Electric Inc., for erosion repair work at the historic retaining wall at the top of the mountain. Subsequent to the inspection, PRCSD received notification from the contractor regarding the discovery of additional erosion damage in proximity to their designated work area along the wall. Based on their professional assessment, the contractor recommended that remedial measures be undertaken prior to the onset of the next rainy season in order to prevent exacerbation of the damages and mitigate the risk of a significant structural failure.
The PRCSD, therefore, recommends the utilization of a supplemental appropriation from the Regional Park Special Capital Improvement fund. This allocation is intended to facilitate the procurement of informal bids, in accordance with Purchasing Resolution No. 23914, for the purpose of selecting a qualified contractor to undertake supplementary repairs addressing erosion-induced damages at Mt Rubidoux.
This project is anticipated to start construction in October 2023 and be completed by December 2023.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The work contributes to Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture and Recreation, and Goal 1.3, to improve parks, recreational amenities, open space, and trail development, and fulfill critical lifecycle and facility maintenance needs; and Goal 1.4, to prioritize safety at parks, trails, arts, cultural and recreational facilities.
This project aligns with each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust –These repairs will prevent risks to public health, safety, and further environmental damages.
Equity – Mount Rubidoux Park offers free paved hiking trails and recreational opportunities to all members of the public.
Fiscal Responsibility – The purchasing of all services for this project is in accordance with Purchasing Resolution No. 23256 using Regional Park Special Capital Improvement funds.
Innovation – Repair of the erosion damages at Mount Rubidoux ensures that the recreational opportunities offered by the free hiking trails desired by the public are provided.
Sustainability & Resiliency – This project contributes to repairing existing City facilities and amenities, which encourages and provides access to healthy exercise opportunities for all City of Riverside residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of the action is $50,000. The Regional Park Special Capital Improvement Fund receives revenue from the Regional Parks and Reserve Parks Development Fee per Chapter 16.44 of the Riverside Municipal Code. Sufficient funds exist for this supplemental appropriation request. Upon Council approval, a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $50,000 will be recorded in the Regional Park Special Capital Improvement Fund, Mt. Rubidoux Wall Repair project account 9171054-440305.
Prepared by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Mt Rubidoux Wall/Road Erosion Repairs Project ● Page 3