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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDA REPORT 1995 0104 CC REG ITEM 08ITO: FROM: DATE: City of Moorpark AGENDA REPORT The Honorable City Council Christine Adams, Director of Community December 12, 1994 (Meeting of January 1.26 .20 ITEIM 8' �• cr of I CD Service 4, 1995) By SUBJECT: Consider Recommended Conceptual Design for Home Acres Buffer Zone OVERVIEW This presents a review of the conceptual design for the Home Acres Buffer Zone, prepared by Lawrence R. Moss and Associates, a landscape architectural firm who was contracted by the City in February, 1994 for the purpose of preparing the design and the plane, and specs for the area. Background The purpose approximately 4341, adjacent Fiscal Impact of this project is to design and improve the 1 1/2 acre site located at the west end of Tract to the Home Acres ,ornmunity. Through a joint powers agreement. (JPA) between the County of Ventura and the City of Moorpark, the City established an assessment district in 1992. The first: year assessment toward the improvements was in FY 92/93. The purpose of the assessment would be to design, construct and maintain the Buffer Zone (identified in Exhibit A) . At the end c.f FY 94/95, there will be approximately $60,000 in this furd to be used for landscape design and construction costs. Site Review Summary City staff is still verifying boundary points of the property, drawing a new parcel map and getting a complete title report. The parcel map will be completed fOr City --ouncil review at their meeting of January 18, 1995. City staff participated in several meetings during 1994. Meetings were held with residents of the Belmont Homeowners Association, and with Ventura County Flood Control, to address concerns and issues regarding safety, access, easements, and design. Correspondence was also received by staff during the year from 00102 Ventura County Fire District and Southern California Edison regarding the property. Residents were given an opportunity to look at the site plans and provide feedback on the proposed design of the buffer zone improvements. On November 28, 1994, staff facilitated a meeting of the Joint Powers Agreement Committee, which served as the annual meeting, required by the JPA. In attendance were representatives from the Home Acres Homeowners Association, the Belmont Homeowners Association, and Councilmember Wozniak. In addition to city staff, Mr. Scott Stone with California Community Builders and Tom Reilly with Lawrence R. Moss & Associates, were also present to answer questions of the committee, - elative to the proposed design of the buffer zone. Mr. Stone indicated to the committee that California Community Builders, Inc. is prepared to pay for and install a colored concrete access road through the middle of the buffer zone for Flood Control vehicle access and to also serve as a pedestrian and bicycle path, as well as an emergency vehicle access. The JPA Committee was agreeable to this design. Staff and CCB will verify the width of the access road poi any requirements by the Fire District. The JPA Committee discussed perimeter fencing, which, along the south and west boundaries, has been specified as 4' chain link. The Committee preferred wrought iron on block, similar to what is at the end of the cul de sac on Shadyri.dge Road and along the northeast property line. The wrought iron fence should be no less than 6' high, with 5' being of wrought- iron and 1' being of block at the base. The Committee f-url--her discussed the top of the fence, and agreed not to have a har across the top, but rather, have some ornamental points at the top, t) discourage people from climbing over the fence. Shrubs will also be planted along the fence line to also keep people from climbing. By consensus, all of the points regarding the F,i ci. -ig were agreed to by the Committee. Staff has worked with the landscape architect on the design for the pedestrian gates, which will include some measures to prevent motorcycles from entering the buf.{F =r one. In regards to the landscape planting plan, the shrubs and trees will be of a native variety, which will require minimum maintenance and irrigation. The -urf grass will be of a mixed fescue variety, which will a] 3 f ho hearty and need minimum irrigation. The JPA Committee addressed the need for security lighting, and by consensus felt that some li,lt•.ing in the zone would be of benefit. Staff is conferring ,vitr, the Sheriff's department regarding placement of light fixt__rea, and will coordinate that with the landscape architect pr cr r,- final plans and specs for the buffer zone being completed. 00103 The Committee was also in favor of the placement of a few park benches throughout the buffer zone, but was not in favor of picnic tables or barbecues. This has been included in the design as an alternate. There exists an equestrian trail easement on the property that at this time is not functional, as there is no access to or from the buffer zone across the arroyo. Staff has suggested to the Home Acres Homeowners Association that they pursue this matter with the County Supervisor's office and with Ventura County Flood Control. Staff will assist on this when appropriate. Upon approval of the conceptual plan for the buffer zone, staff will finalize the plans and specs for construction, including verification of width of access road, detailed specifications of motorcycle barriers, and detailed specifications on security lighting design. Construction of the improvements could begin in the spring of 1995, and the publl:, would be able to utilize the buffer zone by the end of 1995. The landscape architect has included preliminary construction costs for the buffer zone, which are attached as Exhibit C. In summary, the Committee recommended the following: 1. Agreement as to the landscape design as presented by the City's landscape architect; 2. Agreement as to the fencing around the perimeter of the buffer zone, and gate designs, 3. Agreement as to the access road for Flood Control and emergency safety vehicles; as proposed by California Community Builders; 4. Agreement as to the incla�Lon of some park benches, as funding is available; 5. Agreement as to the inclusion of security lighting, to be designed by the City's landscape architect and reviewed with the Sheriff's department. All recommended design changes are shown on the landscape architect's conceptual design plan attached at Exhibit B. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council take the following action: 1. Approve the conceptual design for the Home Acres Buffer Zone as presented; 2. Direct staff to finalize construction plans and specifications for the buffer zone; and 3. Authorize staff to advertise for receipt Of construction bids, with appropr -Late bi-i options. 00104 Attachments Exhibit A - Location Map Exhibit B - Conceptual Landscape Design of Home Acres Buffer Zone Exhibit C - Preliminary Construction Cost Estimates 00105