HomeMy WebLinkAboutC35420 - Fence and Landscape Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center 44911 Cabrillo Ave WallarooSUBJECT:
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CONTENTS:
Recommendation
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
STAFF REPORT
AUTHOIRZATION TO INSTALL A FENCE AND ADDITIONAL
LANDSCAPING AT THE PALM DESERT EARLY CHILDHOOD
EDUCATION CENTER LOCATED AT 44-911 CABRILLO AVENUE, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000.
Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
June 30, 2016
Palm Desert Early Childhood Education Center Site Map
By Minute Motion,
1. Authorize the installation of a fence and planting of additional landscaping
at the Palm Desert Early Childhood Education Center located at 44-911
Cabrillo Avenue.
2. Appropriate $15,000 from the FY 2016/17 Unobligated General Fund
Reserves and transfer into Account. 1104614-4332501.
3. Authorize the Interim City Manager to initiate the project and execute a
contract with the vendor submitting the lowest received bid.
Background
On July 14, 2005, the former Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency entered into a lease
agreement with the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) for the purpose of facilitating
a preschool program at the Palm Desert Early Childhood Education Center (previously known
as the Wallaroo Children's Center) located at 44-911 Cabrillo Avenue. In 2015, the City
executed a revised lease agreement with DSUSD. DSUSD's Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Program's goal is to ensure that attending children are both educationally and physically ready
to enter kindergarten. Since the Palm Desert ECE Center opened in 2005, it has served
hundreds of preschool aged children.
Staff was contacted by an adjoining property owner regarding a safety issue at the school.
There is a considerable height variation between the properties surrounding the Center and its
parking lot. Children were observed attempting to lift themselves up on the wall to obtain a
better view of the nearby properties. When Staff investigated this concern, a child was observed
doing such an action. Staff recommends that a steel fence be placed around the existing wall of
the property to mitigate this safety issue.
Staff Report-PD ECE Center New Fence & Landscaping
June 30, 2016
Page 2 of 2
A representative from the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, which the City is a
member of, also visited the site and concurs with Staff's recommendation. This matter was
brought up at a "Two by Two" meeting between the City and DSUSD and the District did not
voice any objection. In addition to the fence, Staff recommends planting additional landscaping
to enhance the aesthetics of the new fence and to provide an additional barrier.
Fiscal Analvsis
Staff estimates that this project should not exceed $15,000 ($10,000 for the gate and $5,000 for
landscaping). An appropriation from the Unobligated FY 2016/17 General Fund is required as
this project was not budgeted.
DSUSD is charged $1.00 annually for rent and is responsible for keeping the premises, utility
installations, their work and any alterations in good order, condition and repair, including existing
fences and retaining walls. As the work being performed is to install a new structure that
corrects a pre-existing condition and mitigates a safety concern, Staff respectfully recommends
the City moving forward to fund and initiate the work. DSUSD will continue to be responsible for
maintaining the facility, including the proposed new landscaping.
Submitted By:
Stephen YIA , Risk ana r
Reviewed By:
c
O_
Janet -Moore, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Approved By:
n McCarthy, Interim anager
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Date- 2016
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VICINITY MAP
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