Public Works gives progress report on multiple capital projects; council rejected pickleball bids and asked for more review

At its March meeting the Hermosa Beach Public Works Commission heard a broad capital-improvements update that covered recently completed work and projects now in construction or close to bidding.

Greenbelt: staff said the multi-part Greenbelt project (three CIPs combined) was substantially complete and open for public use, with some punch-list landscaping and additional hydroseeding to be finished. The project delivered a decomposed-granite pathway, accessible ramp connections, gym equipment and new parkway trees; staff said the city received roughly $529,000 in county reimbursement for the project and that the final construction costs came in below the approved CIP budget.

Storm drain and Clark Building: staff reported the Bard Street storm-drain project was completed ahead of schedule and that inspections indicate the work is effectively capturing stormwater in the area. The Clark Building renovation is approximately 70% complete; staff said most mechanicals and rough plumbing are installed, drywall and interior finish work is ongoing, and the project remains within the council-approved CIP budget and contingency. Staff said there is potential to return unused CIP funds after final accounting and noted the project received an energy-rebate reimbursement of up to $250,000.

Pier testing: structural inspectors have been performing more detailed testing on the pier than visual inspection alone. Staff said ambient vibration testing is being used overnight to compare actual panel performance with expected behavior; testing is intended to refine recommended repairs and may reduce the extent of panel replacement the visual inspection alone would indicate. Work requires the pier to be closed during overnight testing.

Paving, utility and parking updates: staff reiterated the recently awarded $3.2 million paving contract (see separate report) and summarized other active work: the annual sewer/soar improvement project (Ardmore phases), utility-box art and vinyl wraps with local artists, and continuing coordination with Cal Water and LA County Sanitation District projects that affect resurfacing schedules. Staff also reported progress on Parking Lot C structural repairs and elevator abatement work; bids for the high-priority structural repairs were under review and staff expected to return a recommendation to council for award in May.

South Park and irrigation: council awarded a contract for South Park slope and irrigation repair; staff said the work will replace drift-prone surface drip irrigation with more durable embedded irrigation and refresh plantings, with most funding coming from outside sources (a county grant and West Basin reimbursement for turf removal). A tentative April start was mentioned.

Kelly Courts (pickleball/tennis): staff reminded the commission that City Council rejected bids for the Kelly Courts resurfacing project and directed staff to present the matter to Parks & Recreation Commission and the Public Works Commission for further consideration. Council discussion had centered on how many pickleball courts should be maintained at the site; staff emphasized that the resurfacing proposal would have restored four courts to current dimensional standards but that council wanted more community input before moving forward.

Staff said they will bring several items to council as part of the upcoming CIP budget discussions and that advance community outreach and timely notifications will accompany construction projects to minimize disruption.