Gale Rossi Facilities and Maintenance Manager, City of Albany 548 Cleveland Avenue Albany, CA 94710

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1 RDG 14 April 2017 Gale Rossi Facilities and Maintenance Manager, City of Albany 548 Cleveland Avenue Albany, CA RE: Albany Hill / Final Concepts and Costs for Albany Hill Projects CC: Chelle Putzer, Recreation & Community Services Director Gale: Peter Rohan and I have refined the Draft Concepts (4.6.17) we submitted to you and have this Final Concepts submittal for your review and approval. We received some comments from Chelle, requesting sketches for the Turnpike Trail and the Climbing Turn (timber steps at trail switchback). Both of these sketches are included in this submittal. RESTORATION DESIGN GROUP, INC BERKELEY 2612B 8th Street Berkeley California MOUNT SHASTA 1808 Deetz Road Mount Shasta California As directed we have divided the Albany Hill project into five individual projects as we noted them in the field: (1) Taft Steps (2) Taft to Summit ADA Route (3) Jackson/Madison Trail (4) Jackson/Taft Trail (5) Interpretive Plan/Trails Master Plan Note that the cost estimate and plans do not address #5. Interpretive Trails Master Plan. It is important that as this work progresses the City takes a comprehensive look at Albany Hillʹs fire roads, trails, landscapes, and interpretive stories. Attached are ten sketches of particular and typical trail areas as well as one overall trail plan graphic that shows three of the four projects at Albany Hill. The fourth project, Taft Steps, is just south and out of view. For Taft Steps we provide two sketches, one in plan view and the other in elevation view. After spending many afternoons on Albany Hill getting to know the setting, topography, vegetation, roads and trails, we are ever more excited about Albany Hillʹs future as a key East Bay open space. The connectivity to the neighborhoods, commercial districts, and natural features like Cerrito Creek give Albany Hill a distinct position in East Bay open space. There may not be an open space area better integrated into the urban landscape. RestorationDesignGroup.com

2 Our approach was practical and cost effective. Yet we didnʹt lose sight of potentially big opportunities on the hill. Where we felt big moves were appropriate we proposed them. Here are two examples: (1) At the Taft Turnaround we proposed a dramatic change to the grading south of the turnaround. The proposed approach would be to excavate out road cut bedrock topography created when the original Taft and Fire Road were graded into the hill. As a result numerous eucalyptus trees and non native understory/groundcover vegetation would be removed. Eucalyptus would be salvaged for project materials (logs and steps). Native vegetation should be graded around to the extent feasible, but if some native toyon and oak have to be removed to complete this move they should be removed and replaced. Then both a relocated Fire Road entry and new ADA Route trail would be graded into a gentler hill slope topography. The resulting topography would present a nuanced siting for the Fire Road and overall a more natural topographic signature. (2) For the Taft Steps we propose aggressively siting a new concrete stair into the existing fractured bedrock by creatively sculpting out bedrock to place a diagonal stair/landing system that moves away from the private wooden stair and directs users to the summit area. We propose concrete for maintenance, durability, as well as to create a civic entry off Taft to Albany Hill. The following notes, sketches, and cost estimates, illustrate our thinking for this phase of improvements on Albany Hill. We hope you like what you see. Sincerely, Bob Birkeland, ASLA Principal Landscape Architect Restoration Design Group, Inc ALBANY HILL PROJECTS / FINAL CONCEPTS FOR ALBANY HILL PROJECTS 14 APRIL

3 1. Taft Steps Like Catherineʹs Walk and some of the Berkeley Hills stairs, the Taft Steps are proposed to be constructed purposefully, with durability and maintenance in mind. We propose a multi flight set of concrete stairs with galvanized metal railings, connecting to the existing trail to the summit. Our recent construction experience with the bedrock we see above the Taft sidewalk suggests to us that breaking out the bedrock and shaping it into a more natural rock signature would enhance the rock slope and create a more aesthetically pleasing and civic scaled entry to Albany Hill. The bedrock will likely easily fracture, allowing the contractor to shape the bedrock into a sustainable slope that requires no active revegetation. The bedrock may even serve the stair as retaining walls. We move the stair as far to the north of the property line/private stair as feasible. This creates separation from the private property users and directs users towards the public open space and summit. In addition we propose an active revegetation of the area along the private stair using native toyon shrubs (many exist just up slope) to screen the private stair, increase privacy for public users, and enhance wayfinding. Signage should also be considered. Finally, at the street level we recommend adding a curb bulb out to the Taft Hillside intersection, on the west side near the stop sign. This bulb out would both accommodate the landing of the stair and enhance the sense of public entry for the community. It may also reduce excavation into the hillslope. 2. Taft ADA Route to Swing The elevation of the Taft turnaround (TA) relative to the summit elevation of Albany Hill offers the possibility of an ADA route to the elevational summit as well as a route that reaches the ultimate destination, a viewpoint at the existing Swing area. There are several constraints in play: (1) fire road access needs to be maintained; (2) existing fire road is too steep to redesign to accommodate ADA; (3) ideally fire road would handle service and ADA, but to do so requires a vehicular rated concrete road at < 5% gradient which is not feasible; (4) combining fire road and ADA would necessitate large scale over grading of the summit area and tree removal, well beyond what we propose; (5) the ADA route can not cross the fire road. This is because the surfacing would be damaged by service vehicles and ADA route repairs would become an annual maintenance task and cost. After site review we feel the best ADA route alternative is a paralleling pathway west of the fire road. Path would ascend at < 5% gradient to a junction that would accommodate a Summit Spur path to the elevational summit. This would allow the ADA user to actually summit Albany Hill which given its feasibility should be a goal. From the junction the trail would gently descend to the ultimate destination, a viewpoint at the Swing area. Along the way there could be a couple of viewpoint/pull outs where the trail widens. With a paralleling Restoration Design Group, Inc ALBANY HILL PROJECTS / FINAL CONCEPTS FOR ALBANY HILL PROJECTS 14 APRIL

4 route west of the fire road there is no interaction with the service vehicle needs and the fire road can remain a rough, earthen surfaced route. Relative elevations in feet (Google Earth): Taft Turnaround (TA) / 317 Junction at Summit Spur / 337 Summit Albany Hill (North of Swing Area) / 340 Swing Area / 332 This new ADA Path is about 530 feet to the Swing area. This route and the Spur to the Summit are all under the required max. 5% gradient. It could be as narrow as 4 feet but we might recommend 6 feet for multi use or a variety of widths from 4 to 8 feet to as allowed by the topography. We expect such a route to be of interest to all pedestrian and even cyclists. Surfacing of the ADA Pathway could be any number of surfaces. We recommend reinforced concrete as the most accessible and sustainable. We could also support a resin reinforced DG type paving but it will be more expensive. Simple stabilized DG will get you by for a couple of years but your maintenance demands over time may be a concern. Aesthetically, this new route (through the existing poison oak and Eucalyptus trees) has fantastic views to the Bay, dramatic topography, and lush hillslope vegetation. The separation from the fire road makes this potential route an entirely new trail on the Hill. In addition the route itself we would recommend the following to be included in this project scope and cost estimating: Improvement to the Taft TA sidewalk at least at the southern edge where the fire road and ADA Path would lead from (ADA Path would take off from the right side of the fire road drive apron, looking south up the road). Creating a quality sidewalk here would be a proper entry into the fire road and ADA Path. Re grading of the whole landscape immediately south of the TA and on either side of the fire road so that the fire road no longer sits in a gully with its attendant erosion problems. Re grading would require the removal of several Eucalyptus trees adjacent to the TA and on the sides of the fire road. This will benefit the restoration of the native landscape and open the TA to sun and light. As part of this project and the Jackson to Taft Trail, remove the cables through the bollards and double up the wood bollard spacing to prevent vehicle access. Provide ADA parallel parking stall just before the TA with a crosswalk to a new code compliant sidewalk and access to the ADA route entry. Restoration Design Group, Inc ALBANY HILL PROJECTS / FINAL CONCEPTS FOR ALBANY HILL PROJECTS 14 APRIL

5 3. Jackson/Madison Trail Starting at the Madison Street end to the Jackson TA we recommend the following trailhead and trail improvements: UPPER TRAIL SECTIONS through SWITCHBACKS At Jackson (top of trail) create a 6 foot landing with timber edging off the street curb to invite users. Provide signage as necessary. Consider enhancing the Jackson TA sidewalk with a gravel shoulder/path leading to the Jackson/Taft Trail. The main trail is all earthen surfaced and needs only minor re grading. Width of trail should be around 30 inches possibly with minor pull out areas of increased width to facilitate users passing or resting. There are several areas where large oak trunks span the trail and reduce headroom at switchbacks. These trees should remain for aesthetic and shortcut prevention purposes. At the switchbacks (no timbers at switchback #4, see below) we propose a new or enhanced Climbing Turn built of crib constructed timbers (10x10) in a ʺfanʺ configuration (width to vary between 5 8 feet long) that allows for short cutters to cut the corner but stay on the timbers. At switchback #4, we have a new approach. Instead of extending out into the blackberry as previously determined, we propose a climbing switchback at the large oak and a turn to the northwest. Obliterate the existing oversteepened switchback and take a longer, gentler climb up to the next large oak and regain the trail at the existing timber retaining member. This will make for a more sustainable trail alignment and reduce the need for timbers at this switchback. At switchbacks add large quantities of large woody debris (oak or other being carefully about Sudden Oak Death transfer) to block short cutting. Prune to clear trail for headroom and trail width. Remove signs within the trail section and their footings. Replace worn individual timbers especially at the top of this trail section just below Jackson TA. LOWER TRAIL SECTIONS through existing BMX ZONE We would suggest you maintain both of the spurs leading uphill off the main trail to Middle and Cerrito Creeks. We spoke about preferring the southern spur but weʹve seen users accessing both routes as they come and go from Madison and the creeks. Northern spur is actually a better route. Add one to two sections of 6 foot long steps (10x10 timbers) to assist in easing the walking experience on these two spurs. This trail section is an earthen surfaced trail (24 36 inch wide) that should be re graded with a strong out sloped tread to facilitate drainage on the tread and manage erosion. Use wayfinding signs to direct users to the two spurs, then avoid adding additional signage in the interior. Restoration Design Group, Inc ALBANY HILL PROJECTS / FINAL CONCEPTS FOR ALBANY HILL PROJECTS 14 APRIL

6 Obliterate the existing BMX area by roughing up the grade with a miniexcavator and using large woody debris to permanently restrict access. Prune to clear trail for headroom and trail width except at large oak branches spanning the trail. Maintain oak branching to the extent feasible and safe. LOWER CREEK TRAIL, STEPS, SWALE CROSSING, EARTHEN TRAIL Trail towards the top of the steps to the swale should be re graded. Consider install a Turnpike trail section elevated with timber/boulder edging and riprap fill to allow for drainage and swale overflow. We could install a Boardwalk but they are expensive and require maintenance and replacement. We proposed realigning the trail away, east, from the swale. Trail water bars should be reset on the earthen trail surface sections above the steps or replaced with the Turnpike trail section. At the existing 18 steps down to the swale crossing, replace all (10x10 timbers with rebar pins, consider using local Eucalyptus milled at the Greenwaste Recycling Yard Richmond) and move the alignment inboard towards the swale and oak to prevent short cutting to the crossing. At crossing (10ʹ 0ʺ) use timber abutments and free spanning 4x12 planking (3 planks) to clear swale. No railings required. Simple and inexpensive. Trail to first junction, 4 foot wide earthen tread, regraded to drain. Prune to clear trail for headroom and trail width. MADISON ENTRY and SWALE New vehicle barrier either out of 12x12 timber posts and 4x12 rails with new signage or simply open 12x12 timber bollards at 5ʹ 0ʺ o.c. The existing barrier is not inviting or appropriate for one of Albanyʹs trailheads. There is a severe erosion gully at the terminus of the eastern Madison sidewalk (NE corner of street end) at a utility pole. This is a very tight, awkward entry that needs attention. Slope restoration and retainage appear to be warranted. Drainage at the street end should be addressed comprehensively. The street end generally should be opened up and inviting to users. Even though the formal entry is at the NE sidewalk some users could access the area via the street. Boulders and a gravel trailhead area could be inviting while not encouraging hanging out. Wayfinding signage and friendly regulatory signage should be considered. Prune to clear trail for headroom and trail width. 4. Jackson/Taft Trail This trail should start with a wide 6 8 foot trail width graded near level into the hillslope and then transition into timber steps. The trail then climbs up worn steps for approximately 16 vertical feet. Existing timbers are worn and some are missing. Replace all and consider wider timbers with extensive Eucalyptus large woody debris and logs Restoration Design Group, Inc ALBANY HILL PROJECTS / FINAL CONCEPTS FOR ALBANY HILL PROJECTS 14 APRIL

7 adjacent to the timbers to form a ʺlog jamʺ effect that will eliminate short cutting and side trailing by bikers. Obliterate the existing main trail that climbs vertically from the top of these steps to Taft. Fell Eucalyptus trees to block trail access. Do not attempt this with smaller woody debris, it will fail. Interplant the logs with oaks, coffee berry, currants, native blackberry, and toyon. At the top of these timber steps there is a trail junction for a southwest trending social path. This path should be considered as part of the re routing of this trail. On site, following this existing social route made it clear that another route is feasible. This revised route would angle to the west and possibly switchback to the main spine before returning west again. This area is a dramatic setting even with the non native Eucalyptus forest. Long term, restoration to an oak woodland should be pursued. At the trail terminus at the Taft turnaround, there should be a ʺYʺ in the trail. The right, west trending trail would encircle the Taft TA and reach the ADA Path. The left, east trending path would ascend directly to Taft via timber steps (10x10 timbers) up to 8 10 feet wide. 5. Interpretive Plan/Trails Master Plan This element is not included in this Concept Phase but is assumed to involve the design of a Trails and Access Masterplan for the Hill and the design and fabrication of wayfinding, regulatory, and interpretive signage. Restoration Design Group, Inc ALBANY HILL PROJECTS / FINAL CONCEPTS FOR ALBANY HILL PROJECTS 14 APRIL

8 re Cerrito C ek e Trail Creeksid regrade/restore BMX area STA 890 trail link (75 LF) JACKSON / MADISON TRAIL steps (1295 LF) switch back #3: STA side trail around TA (30 LF) STA 0 STA 790 switch back #4: STA new trail, obliterate 100 of oversteepened trail switch back #2: STA 204 switch back #1: STA obliterate social trails, typ. STA 894 improve north spur switch back #5: STA timber steps climbing turn, typ. footbridge STA steps STA 40 steps STA 0 STA realign trail away from swale (use turnpike) steps JACKSON TA elev 219 STA MADISON end trail, STA t. son S Madi JACKSON / TAFT TRAIL (490 LF) STA 300 obliterate 350 of trail with large woody debris timber steps as required TAFT TA elev 317 STA 490 steps, STA 460 ADA parking and crosswalk. Jackson St side trail around TA (50 LF) STA 0 regrade/ restoration area viewpoint/pullout re-align fire road St. Taft TAFT ADA ROUTE TO SWING (605 LF w/ summit spur) viewpoint/pullout SUMMIT elev 340 summit spur junction STA 420, elev 337 FIRE ROAD SWING STA 530, elev 332 rock/log overlook re-grade fire road (1000 LF) Hillside Ave. Albany Hill Projects Trails Concept 1 May, 2017 RDG RESTORATION DESIGN GROUP, INC. CROSS North TAFT STEPS BEYOND

21 Albany Hill Projects Estimate of Probable Design Fees + Construction Costs: Concept Phase Level ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COSTS 14 April 2017 Revised 21 April 2017 Project / Item Qty. Unit Unit Price Subtotal Total 1. TAFT STEPS Demolition and Off-Haul (existing steps and miscellaneous debris) 1 LS $2, $2, Tree Removals (salvage selected logs for re-use, mulch) 5 EA $ $3, Grading (stair excavation, ex. trail obliteration, balance cut/fill on site) 1 LS $10, $10, Detailed Bedrock Excavation 1 LS $6, $6, Saw-cut ex. AC, Curb and Gutter at Bulb-out 80 LF $20.00 $1, Remove ex. AC, Curb, Gutter and Base Material at Bulb-out 300 SF $10.00 $3, Concrete Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter at Bulb-out 300 SF $30.00 $9, Paint Curb Red at Blub-out 1 LS $ $ AC Paving Patch around Bulb-out 100 SF $20.00 $2, Concrete Stair (two sections, approx. 17 risers each) 200 SF $ $20, Concrete Retaining Wall at Stair (uphill side only where needed) 51 LF $ $17, Concrete Curb at Center Stair Landing Along Rock Ledge 20 LF $ $2, Concrete Paving at Landing between Stair Flights 100 SF $17.00 $1, Metal Handrail/Guardrail (both sides of stair and outboard of landing) 60 LF $ $9, Striping Replacement at Stop Sign (Thermoplastic) 1 LS $1, $1, Stop Sign Relocation 1 EA $ $ Revegetation and Mulch 1 LS $5, $5, TAFT STEPS SUBTOTAL $96, TAFT ADA ROUTE to SWING Demolition and Off-Haul (vehicular gate, bollards, cables, miscellaneous debris) 1 LS $3, $3, Tree Removals, Eucalyptus (salvage selected logs for re-use and mulch) 18 EA $ $13, Clearing and Grubbing 10,000 SF $0.75 $7, Remove Existing Concrete Sidewalk and Base Material at TA 160 SF $5.00 $ Re-Grading (south of TA, fire road, ADA route, balance cut/fill) 32,000 SF $1.00 $32, Taft ADA Route to Swing Area 3,000 SF $17.00 $51, Concrete Sidewalk, Fire Road Apron, ADA Curb Ramps, Striping, Painting 1,000 SF $18.00 $18, Paint Curb Red at Taft Turnaround 1 LS $1, $1, Low Retaining Walls at ADA Route (Allowance) 150 LF $ $15, Viewpoints Along ADA Route (Allowance) 3 LS $3, $10, Eucalyptus Slab Benches along ADA Route 3 EA $2, $6, Metal Handrail/Guardrail (Allowance for outboard path edge railing) 250 LF $75.00 $18, Vehicular Gate at Fire Road Entry 1 LS $5, $5, Albany Hill Park Sign Relocation/Refurbishing 1 EA $2, $2, Boulders at Taft, ADA Route, and Swings (Allowance) 1 LS $6, $6, Log Vehicle Barriers and Retainage at Turnaround (Salvaged Eucalyptus) 130 LF $50.00 $6, Aggregate Surfacing at Taft TA Margin 250 SF $10.00 $2, ADA Parking and Crosswalk 1 LS $5, $5, Revegetation and Mulch for Re-Graded Areas 1 LS $30, $30, TAFT ADA ROUTE to SWING SUBTOTAL $235,550

22 Albany Hill Projects Estimate of Probable Design Fees + Construction Costs: Concept Phase Level 3. JACKSON / TAFT TRAIL Demolition and Off-Haul (existing steps, miscellaneous debris) 1 LS $3, $3, Tree Removals, Eucalyptus (salvage selected logs for re-use) 10 EA $ $7, Clearing and Grubbing 3,000 SF $0.75 $2, Obliterate Existing Trail with Felled Eucalyptus and Imported Woody Debris 350 LF $30.00 $10, New Trail Grading (balance cut/fill) 540 LF $8.00 $4, Aggregate Surfacing at Jackson TA 300 SF $10.00 $3, Timber Steps at Taft and Jackson Entries, Switchbacks (Eucalyptus 10x10) 58 EA $ $17, Large Woody Debris for Control of Switchback Short-cutting 1 LS $6, $6, Paint Curb Red at Jackson Turnaround 1 LS $1, $1, Vehicular Bollards at Jackson (12x12 wood) 6 EA $ $4, Salvaged Eucalyptus Log Barriers and Retainage at Jackson to Taft Trailhead 50 LF $50.00 $2, Salvaged Eucalyptus Log Retaining Wall at Jackson 30 LF $ $6, Boulders at Jackson TA 1 LS $1, $1, Revegetation and Mulch 1 LS $5, $5, JACKSON / TAFT TRAIL SUBTOTAL 14 April 2017 Revised 21 April 2017 $75, JACKSON / MADISON TRAIL Demolition and Off-Haul (vehicular guardrail, existing steps, misc. debris) 1 LS $7, $7, Clearing and Grubbing 5,000 SF $0.75 $3, Trail Grading (refurbish trail tread, new switchback, balance cut/fill on site) 1,400 LF $8.00 $11, Trail Turnpike at Madison Re-alignment 100 LF $75.00 $7, Timber Steps Along Trail (Eucalyptus 10x10) 55 EA $ $16, Timber Step "Climbing Turns" at Switchbacks 5 LS $3, $17, Large Woody Debris (block obliterated trail, unwanted side trails and BMX area) 1 LS $7, $7, Wood Plank Footbridge at Swale (3) (4x12 Planks) 1 LS $3, $3, Vehicular Bollards at Madison (12x12 wood) 5 EA $ $4, Curb at Madison Street End 30 LF $75.00 $2, Paint Curb Red at Madison Curb 1 LS $ $ AC Paving Patch at Curb/Street End 300 SF $10.00 $3, Aggregate Surfacing at Madison Entry 450 SF $10.00 $4, Retainage/Railing /Drainage at Madison Entry Sidewalk 1 LS $7, $7, Boulders at Swale and Madison Entry 1 LS $7, $7, Revegetation and Mulch 1 LS $7, $7, JACKSON / MADISON TRAIL SUBTOTAL 5. SIGNAGE Interpretive Signage (Large Graphic Panels) 4 EA $7, $30, Wayfinding Signage (Trails Maps, Directional Signs) 1 LS $25, $25, Regulatory Signage (Per City) 1 LS $10, $10, Community Kiosk at Taft Turnaround (Lockable Panels, Bulletin Case) 1 LS $7, $7, SIGNAGE SUBTOTAL $111,450 $72,500 FIVE PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION SUBTOTAL $591,420 Concept Phase Estimating Contingency (25%) $147,855 FIVE PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $739,275 FIVE PROJECTS GENERAL CONDITIONS Survey Allowance $16,500 Mobilization, Overhead, and Profit (20%) $147,855 SWPPP Compliance by Contractor $7,500 FIVE PROJECTS GENERAL CONDITIONS SUBTOTAL $171,855 FIVE PROJECTS GENERAL CONDITIONS & CONSTRUCTION TOTAL (See DESIGN / ENGINEERING FEE ESTIMATES for Additional Costs) $911,130

23 Albany Hill Projects Estimate of Probable Design Fees + Construction Costs: Concept Phase Level 14 April 2017 Revised 21 April 2017 DESIGN / ENGINEERING FEE ESTIMATES Basic Service Geotechnical Engineering Allowance $8,800 Structural Engineering Allowance $1,100 Design Team Project Management, Meetings, Presentations $17,500 Concept and Schematic Design $15,000 Plans and Technical Specifications $35,000 Interpretive / Wayfinding Signage Design $35,000 Cost Estimating throughout Design Process $7,500 Public Participatory Process Allowance $10,000 Bid Support Services (Design Team) $5,000 Construction Contract Administration (Design Team) $15,000 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) $5,000 BASIC SERVICE DESIGN / ENGINEERING FEE ESTIMATE TOTAL $154,900

3. COLTA / HUGA CONNECTIONS - PRELIMINARY

9 3. COLTA / HUGA CONNECTIONS - PRELIMINARY 3.1 COLTA The Chain of Lakes Trail Association (COLTA) trail, formerly identified as the Chester Spur Line, was completed and opened for use in June 2011. The