RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
DIRECT the Director of Department of Conservation and Development to file a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk, and
AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to arrange for payment of a $25 fee to the Department of Conservation and Development for processing, and a $50 fee to the County Clerk for filing the Notice of Exemption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated Project cost: $800,000. 100% Park Dedication Funds.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this project is to install and maintain landscaping/hardscaping at Walden Green, a green open space managed by Contra Costa County Public Works (CCCPWD) – Special Districts. The space is comprised of Walden Green I and Walden Green II, which together span an approximately half-mile stretch of the Iron Horse Trail Corridor. The vegetation plan was selected as a way to maintain Walden Green I and II in accordance with available funding. The landscape maintenance fund for Walden Green I was initially based on a redevelopment fund, however, County Redevelopment was disbanded and funds were therefore reduced. Walden Green II was completed in 2018 without designated funding for ongoing maintenance.
The project will install landscape plants that will require less water and maintenance than the existing vegetation. Walden I and II are approximately 5.2 acres in area, of which approximately 2.8 acres of irrigated lawn will be removed and replaced with low maintenance landscaping/hardscaping. 500 linear feet of non-native shrubs may be removed along the Walden Green I and II spaces to allow better visibility of and along the trail in response to public concerns about safety along the trail corridor. Existing shrubs, bushes, and trees may also be trimmed to increase visibility. The project will remove trees that are in poor condition and those entangled with power lines. Walden I and II contain 166 trees greater than 6-inches in diameter that were evaluated by a licensed arborist. Approximately 31 mature trees and 18 trees with a diameter less than 6-inches will be removed. Excavation of up to two feet deep is required for root removal.
Landscaping/hardscaping elements will include mulching, placement of decomposed granite and stone, steel edging to contain these elements, and renovation of the existing irrigation system. Six 650-gallon in ground trash systems may be installed, which hold large volumes of trash in order to reduce trash removal trips. Excavation of up to five feet deep is required to install the trash systems. Other minor alternatives such as removal of broken water fountains, short trail connections, or benches and tables may be implemented. Public outreach about the project will be provided at onsite informational sessions prior to conducting work. A letter will be sent to residents notifying them of the sessions.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Delay in approving the project may result in a delay of design, construction, and may jeopardize funding.