CC - Item 5A - Garvey Avenue Medians - Turf Removal Project i E CM M .4.
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ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
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TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER 41'1
DATE: MAY 26 2015
SUBJECT: GARVEY AVENUE MEDIANS — TURF REMOVAL PROJECT
SUMMARY
At the City Council Meeting on May 12, 2015, a project involving the removal of all turf on
the Garvey Avenue medians was discussed. Funding was added for this project during
the midyear budget updates in January and at the time, the proposal was the installation
of artificial turf. Staff has prepared the project for bid as the installation of artificial turf,
however, at the City Council Meeting on May 12, 2015, it was decided that all potential
options should be reviewed prior to proceeding with this project.
Pursuant to the Governor's updated drought regulations issued on April 1, 2015, the
watering of ornamental turf on street medians is prohibited. Based on the drought
conditions and the planned removal of turf along the medians, staff turned off the irrigation
in these areas prior to the Governor's order:
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council provide direction regarding the turf removal
project on the Garvey Avenue Medians .
DISCUSSION
On April 1, 2015 the Governor issued an executive order mandating water conservation
of at least 25% statewide. Included in that order was the prohibition of watering
ornamental turf on street medians. Prior to the Governor's order, staff had contemplated
the removal of turf on the Garvey Avenue Medians due to the high water usage in the
current drought situation. The water has been shut down on the medians for some time
and staff is ready to proceed with the turf removal. Funding for this project was added to
the Public Works budget during the midyear budget adjustments in January and at that
time, staff had contemplated the installation of artificial turf on the medians. Staff is
seeking direction from the Council for the project going forward at this time. There are two
options that can be considered for the medians going forward:
1: Remove the turf on the medians and replace it with drought tolerant landscaping
2. Remove the turf on the medians and replace it with artificial turf
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ITEM NUMBER:
City Council Meeting
May 26,2015
Page 2 of 3
Option 1: Replace the Turf with Drought Tolerant Landscaping
The turf can be removed and replaced with a simple drought tolerant landscaping. The
landscape would include a plant palate of drought tolerant, native plants that require little
water and maintenance. Plant types would include similar plants to those previously
incorporated into other medians, parks, and the Civic Center Plaza. In order to prepare
the medians for the installation of drought tolerant plants, the turf would be removed and
the existing soil would be amended and graded. It is important to note that the existing
crown from the tree roots on the medians is very high and staff is not proposing the
reduction of the crown at this time due to the expense and intricacy of the work.
The existing irrigation system on the medians has been severely impacted by tree roots
and is not functional. Due to the expense and the intent to transition to lower water usage,
staff is proposing to abandon the existing irrigation system and install one or two hose
bibs on each median. Any landscape would need to be watered, by hand, approximately
once per week. It is anticipated that these tasks would be performed by the City's
landscape contractor in lieu of the maintenance activities (mowing, edging, etc.) that are
currently performed on the medians.
Option 2: Replace Turf with Artificial Turf
Another option is to replace the existing turf on the Garvey Avenue medians with artificial
turf. Artificial turf would replace the existing, stressed turf to create a visually appealing
and low maintenance landscape along Garvey Avenue. The installation of the turf would
reduce the need for irrigation on the medians except for hose bibs to water remaining
landscape on the median noses. Maintenance activities for artificial turf would include
blowing or sweeping the debris from it as needed.
Current Use of Artificial Turf
The City has previously installed artificial turf in three (3) locations within the City,
including two (2) medians and a pocket park. Artificial turf was installed on two medians
on Garvey Avenue, the one closest to New Avenue (westerly City limit) and the one
nearest to the Garvey Community Center (easterly City limit). Artificial turf was also
installed at the pocket park at the corner of Temple City Boulevard, Ellis Lane and Steele
Street approximately seven (7) years ago.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Funding for the Garvey Avenue Medians Turf Removal Project in the amount of$100,000
was added to the Public Works Department budget during the mid-year budget updates
in January. Additionally, staff has secured, on reserve, rebate funds of$2 per square foot
for the removal of turf along the Garvey Avenue medians. The annual water expense for
current irrigation activities on the Garvey Avenue medians is approximately $15,000.
City Council Meeting
May 26,2015
Page3of3
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Prepared By: Submitted By:
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Sean Sullivan Matthew E. H. kesworth
Acting Public Works Manager Asst City Manager/Director of Public Works