COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

May 5, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 20, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

La Honda Landslide Easement Acquisitions –
Authorization Granted to the Director of Public Works to Acquire
On Behalf Of The County Permanent Easements, Temporary Construction Easements and Temporary Rights-Of-Entry (PROJECT NO. R2E01 – F-36 [256])

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to take the actions necessary for acquisition of easements and rights-of-entries for the La Honda Landslide Improvement Project.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

This action furthers the above-mentioned commitment and goal by securing all necessary approvals from property owners for needed access on or beneath their land to reconstruct lower Scenic Drive and improve the stability of the area supporting that roadway.

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION:

1.

Adopted Resolution No. 069071, on October 30, 2007, authorizing the Department of Public Works to constructing a french drain system on the failed hillsides adjacent to Scenic Drive and to proceed with preparations for the construction of slope stabilization improvements (the “Improvements”) at the earliest opportunity during the next construction season, and continue to communicate and work with the La Honda community to identify cooperative funding arrangements and other potential funding sources. The Board discussed a potential County matching contribution of up to $3,000,000, but took no action in that regard.

2.

Adopted Resolution No. 069214, on January 8, 2008, authorizing execution of an agreement with Soil Engineering Construction, Inc., in the amount of $100,000, for developing plans and specifications for the slope stabilization improvements for the Scenic Drive Landslide.

3.

Adopted Resolution No. 069258, on February 12, 2008, declaring the intent to form an assessment district.

4.

Adopted Resolution No. 069259, on February 12, 2008, approving the Engineer’s Report, setting the public hearing date for the formation of the assessment district, and directing the Director of Public Works to send property owners within the proposed district a notice of the public hearing and a ballot to cast their vote.

5.

Adopted Resolution No. 069319, on March 25, 2008, approving an assessment payment assistance program to aid property owners with hardship conditions.

6.

Adopted Resolution No. 069359, on April 22, 2008, authorizing the Director of Public Works to form the La Honda Landslide Assessment District, levy the cost of constructing soil stability improvements and reconstructing lower Scenic Drive as a charge to properties within said District.

7.

Adopted Resolution No. 069360, on April 22, 2008, finding that an emergency exists, that emergency repair work is necessary to respond to the emergency, and authorizing the execution of a construction contract with Soil Engineering Construction, Inc. for the final design/construction of the improvements within the La Honda Landslide Assessment District without a competitive solicitation.

DISCUSSION:

The Public Works Department has been working with the La Honda community in connection with the proposed slope stabilization improvements and Scenic Drive road repair in response to the La Honda landslide. The proposed Improvements are estimated to cost $6,122,500, and the County has proposed to fund $4,012,059.44 of that cost with the remainder to come from the community through an assessment district. The proposed improvements include the reconstruction of lower Scenic Drive and stabilization work to support that roadway. Consistent with applicable provisions of the Streets & Highways Code, the Board has previously approved the Engineer’s Report describing the proposed assessment district and assessments.

Proposed improvements include construction of permanent structures on private property, which necessitates acquisition of permanent easements, temporary construction easements and rights-of-entries. Because the continued land movement has created an emergency situation, authorizing the Director of Public Works to take actions necessary on behalf of the County to secure needed easements and rights-of-entry will allow for construction work to begin as soon as possible.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The total estimated project cost is $6,122,500, which includes a contingency of $860,825 (approximately 14%).

The costs associated with obtaining easements and right of entries is estimated to be $80,000 and has been included in the total estimated project costs of $6,122,500. Reference is made to Appendix B of the Engineer’s Report.

The initial impact to the General Fund is as follows:

Soil Engineering Construction, Inc. Design Contract

$100,000

Staff Time for Assessment District Election Process

$20,000

These cost have also been included in the total estimated project costs of $6,122,500. The resolutions have been approved as to form by County Counsel.

The proposed resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.