Public Works director outlines CIP progress: ADA mats removed for winter, new senior engineer hired; updates on Lot C repairs, Green Streets, undergrounding and

The Hermosa Beach Public Works director used the commission's November meeting to report seasonal maintenance and staffing updates and to brief commissioners on multiple capital improvement program projects.

Director's report: the city removes temporary ADA beach-access mats at 2nd and 22nd streets for the winter (they return April–October) and will continue limited maintenance of the 11th Street mat during winter. The director announced the hire of Randy Nguyen as the city's new senior engineer; Nguyen started Oct. 30 and was recruited from the city of Orange.

Restroom repairs and storm-drain questions: commissioners asked about the 14th Street restroom work, which the director described as a maintenance project (masonry, roofing, window parts, sand movement) with a target completion goal around February; staff said some closure for repairs will be necessary. When asked where storm-drain debris is taken, staff said they did not have a definitive answer at the meeting and will verify disposal procedures.

CIP status highlights: staff reported recent accomplishments (completion of the annual sewer improvement project CIP 421 and near completion of Base 3 electrical improvements) and projects that started construction (community center gas repair, Kelly Court Improvements CIP 619). The Hermosa Avenue Green Streets and Greenwich Village North undergrounding projects are under construction; Hermosa work is slated to begin in late December and will temporarily affect parking. The city is coordinating with Torrance for construction administration and management.

Parking structure (Lot C) repairs: staff described a structural investigation that identified broken post-tension tendons in localized areas. After destructive testing and further engineering evaluation, the structural engineer cleared limited portions of the structure for continued work while producing final repair documents; staff said the overall schedule is expected to be pushed by about eight weeks but that the issue is more localized than originally feared and staff expect to remain within contingency.

Stormwater dry wells and funding: staff explained the previous concept of many small dry wells across neighborhoods and said they are studying alternatives that concentrate larger capture in fewer, downstream locations to reduce neighborhood impacts. The city has had preliminary conversations with neighboring Redondo Beach about a joint Measure W grant application and plans to retain the same consultant to prepare a coordinated application; staff emphasized funding uncertainty and the need to show progress toward stormwater compliance, noting potential regulatory timelines and the possibility of phased city-funded work if grants do not materialize.

Paving work: staff reviewed candidate streets for the annual street improvement and slurry-seal projects; selections are primarily PCI-driven and staff said they are coordinating schedules with other utilities to minimize rework.

Next steps: staff will return with contract documents, repair plans, and scheduling updates as studies are finalized and grant opportunities develop.