Encinitas council accepts Beacons Beach parking-lot project, files notice of completion

The Encinitas City Council on Jan. 15 accepted the completed reconstruction of the Beacons Beach parking lot and authorized the filing of a Notice of Completion, starting the statutory closeout and warranty process for the public improvements.

Senior Engineer Ben Stryker told the council the parking lot work is finished “to the satisfaction of the city engineer per the approved plans,” noting that sidewalks, benches, fencing and new asphalt are open for public use. He said outstanding contractor invoices and final certified payroll documentation remain but staff anticipates the project will come in under the appropriated budget. “At this time, we are under budget,” Stryker said.

The action authorizes release of the contractor’s payment bond after recording the notice and begins a one-year warranty period required by the California Public Contract Code, during which the city will inspect workmanship and materials before releasing the performance bond. Jim Knowlton, the city’s geotechnical consultant, told the council the small bluff sloughing observed in January resulted from king tides and was “in no way related to the work that was performed by the city.” He said the parking-lot reconstruction included no bluff-stabilization work and does not affect a separate stabilization study.

Council members asked about budget, warranty length and whether recent bluff activity would affect future stabilization plans. Stryker confirmed the one-year warranty period is standard under the California Public Contract Code, and said payment and performance bonds remain in place per usual public works practice. Council member Jim O’Hara pressed whether the project required additional funds; Stryker said none are anticipated.

The motion to accept the project and file the Notice of Completion passed unanimously with Deputy Mayor Lyons absent. The city will perform warranty inspections after one year and maintain the newly planted vegetation — including California rose bushes along the site’s northern edge — intended to screen headlights and discourage trespass.

Council discussion also noted the parking lot work was part of the city’s routine capital improvement project cycle and the closeout process will include release of bonds per the Public Contract Code.

The council moved on to other agenda items after recording the vote; staff said they will follow standard post-construction closeout procedures and return to council if any additional budgetary or contract issues arise.