TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Linda Robb, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Status of El Porto Park Swing Set Installation (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
RECEIVE REPORT
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the report on the status of El Porto Park swing set installation.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
Park amenities in El Porto Park were discussed by the Parks and Recreation Commission at the Joint City Council/Commission meeting on January 11, 2022. City Council stated at the meeting that El Porto Park is not a priority project based on the many deferred park maintenance projects, but directed staff to reach out to the County to explore interest in the County funding park improvements. At the March 15, 2022 Council meeting, Councilmember Franklin requested staff reach out to the County regarding the installation of a swing set at El Porto Park, with full Council approval, sending the item to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The park improvements and swing set installation were discussed at the February 28, March 28, and July 25, 2022 Commission meetings. Ultimately, the Commission recommended that these park improvements be placed on the unfunded project list as a non-priority item for review in future years.
DISCUSSION:
Staff reached out to Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office and provided background on the request. Supervisor Mitchell’s office referred this item to County staff for further review. City staff spoke with County administrative staff in Asset Management and Department of Beaches and Harbors, sharing the specific request to install a swing set at El Porto Park.
After reviewing the request, staff held a follow up meeting with the Senior Division Chief of the Department of Beaches and Harbors, Chief of the Planning Division and Senior Real Estate Property Agent. After their assessment, the County determined that they are unable to contribute funds towards the project.
The County agreed to assist the City in facilitating approvals of the swing set if the City would be responsible for covering all costs, including permits, construction, maintenance and repair. In addition to these costs, a Memorandum of Understanding and License Agreement would be needed to cover ongoing maintenance and liability.
County staff sent a memo to Supervisor Mitchell’s office to make them aware of the interest and updates on this project. If the City does want to move forward in the future, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approval will be needed.
Based on the cost, maintenance, liability and lower priority nature of this project, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended against moving forward, but will keep this item on the unfunded list for Council direction moving forward.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
This item is a standing item on the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda as part of the commission work plan with staff and subcommittee updates provided monthly. Significant discussions occurred at the February 28, March 28, and July 25, 2022 commission meetings.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.