TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Joe DeFrancesco, Interim Public Works Director
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Sean Roberts, Field Operations Manager
Chris O’Brien, Maintenance Supervisor
Linda Robb, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Leadership Manhattan Beach Service Project Proposal - Iron Rails to Green Trails on Veterans Parkway (No Budget Impact) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco and Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
APPROVE
Body
_________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB) Service Project Proposal -- Iron Rails to Green Trails on Veterans Parkway.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Costs for the fabrication of the sign will be paid by LMB. Installation of the sign will be completed by Public Works during the normal workday. The value of this work is approximately $1,420; 10 hours of Maintenance Worker II at the fully burdened rate of $142 per hour.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks and Recreation Department receives requests from community-based service organizations to complete volunteer-led projects on City park property. These projects typically provide capital improvements, beautification, or enhancements that support public use and enjoyment of park facilities.
LMB submitted a proposal on January 20, 2026, requesting approval to complete the project described in the section below and in the attached project proposal.
DISCUSSION:
Project Description
LMB submitted a proposal to complete a community service project on Veterans Parkway that will serve to educate the community about the history of the Santa Fe rail line on the greenbelt and how it became the lush Veterans Parkway recreation path, enjoyed by many residents and visitors each day.
The proposed location is on the greenbelt across from the Joslyn Community Center.
The project consists of a physical sign made of Corten steel, which naturally patinas over time, and features a high-pressure laminate graphic with UV protection. The sign measures 5 feet and 3 inches wide, and 4 feet and 6⅜ inches in height. The installation will involve direct burial footing.
Coordination and Implementation
The project will be conducted under the supervision and coordination of Public Works, with the following plan:
• City Support: Community Development has determined that the sign is exempt any building or sign permit requirement per Planning code 10.72.040.
• LMB will purchase the sign if approved by City Council.
• Public Works staff will provide concrete for the footing and install the sign.
• Timeline: the goal date for completion is April 27, 2026, prior to the class graduation in May.
Community Benefit
The proposed project would benefit the community by instilling a sense of pride through educating the community about the history of the Santa Fe rail line on the greenbelt and how it became the lush Veterans Parkway recreation path enjoyed by so many residents and visitors each day.
Maintenance
The sign will be made of materials designed to withstand UV rays, salty air and moisture. It is expected to require minimal maintenance. Any maintenance required would be the responsibility of the City.
CONCLUSION:
The proposed community service project provides a meaningful public benefit, aligns with departmental standards, and presents minimal risk or cost to the City. Staff recommends approval of the project.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposed LMB project at their January 26, 2026, meeting, and voted unanimously to recommend the project to the City Council.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
This item was reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission at their January 26, 2026 meeting. The item was also included on the agenda for the March 17, 2026 City Council meeting, which was posted in accordance with applicable law.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption, Existing Facilities as defined in section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, as it consists of the installation of a historical informational sign on Veterans Parkway and will continue to serve as a recreational facility with no expansion of the existing use.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Project Proposal
2. Sign Location
3. LMB Rails to Green Trails Sign Design