Hemet approves Sierra Dawn median beautification; HOA to contribute $100,000 over three years

The Hemet City Council voted 4-0 (one recusal) on Feb. 11 to approve a median beautification project for Sierra Dawn Estates and authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with the Sierra Dawn Estates homeowners association.

Dan Cortesi, the city's environmental services manager, presented a plan to replace existing plantings with drought-tolerant species, upgrade decomposed-granite hardscape to a permeable "Brimstone" material, replace irrigation with a point-source strip system and install CalSense weather-based controllers with live monitoring. Cortesi said the city intends to retain palms, relocate some service lines and install master water meters to allow real-time leak monitoring.

The homeowners association committed $100,000 in three equal payments over three years; city staff recommended the city front construction costs estimated at $215,000 from general fund reserves and then accept the HOA contribution. Staff estimated additional ongoing maintenance costs to be between $24,000 and $36,000 per year; the HOA will provide utilities for watering. Cortesi recommended constructing the project as a single phase to avoid mobilization and inflation-driven cost increases.

Council Member Linda Krupa moved and Council Member Mayles seconded the motion to approve the agreement and appropriate funds; Council Member Lodge recused because he lives in the Sierra Dawn neighborhood. The roll call (excluding Lodge) was Krupa yes, Veil yes, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Kendrick yes, Mayor Jackie Peterson yes. The motion passed 4-0 with Lodge recused.

Staff will proceed with contracting and will return with implementation details and any required budget adjustments for ongoing maintenance.