Meeting_Body
FINANCE, BUDGET, AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
JUNE 16, 2021
Subject
SUBJECT: REAL ESTATE AGREEMENTS WITH THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (MWD) FOR SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS AROUND MWD COURTYARD AND HEADQUARTERS BUILDING AT UNION STATION
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. AUTHORIZING the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or their designee to execute an easement to The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) in which the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) agrees to grant to MWD, and take all necessary steps to record, certain “Real Estate Interests” in the LACMTA-owned property located at the southernmost end of Union Station adjacent to MWD-owned property (“Permanent Easement”); and
B. AUTHORIZING the CEO or their designee to execute a Second Amendment to the Agreement and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) recorded on May 31, 1996 between MWD and Catellus Development Corporation.
Issue
ISSUE
In February 2018, MWD’s Board authorized final design of the physical security improvements to MWD headquarters. To expedite completion of the most critical upgrades, the upgrade work was prioritized and staged. Stage 1 upgrades improved exterior surfaces. Stage 2 upgrades enhanced access control and interior security protection. Stage 3 improvements will enhance perimeter security.
For MWD to move forward with stage 3 of MWD headquarter physical security improvements, MWD requires LACMTA to grant a Permanent Easement and amend the current CC&Rs for Union Station.
Background
BACKGROUND
MWD acquired its headquarters site in 1996, which predates LACMTA’s acquisition in 2011. In 1996 easements were granted to MWD for the roadway, utility, north sewer and storm drain. During the same year, CC&Rs were established between Catellus Development Corporation and MWD to ensure that the properties were developed, used and maintained as a high quality, unified development and to establish certain reciprocal rights for uses of common areas.
The MWD Headquarters Building is a 522,682 square-foot, concrete-frame structure consisting of a 12-story high-rise tower attached to a five-story wing. The building is located next to the Union Station transportation hub. The business functions located in this building are critical for maintaining the continuity of MWD’s day-to-day operations. The Headquarters Building includes office space for approximately 840 MWD staff and meeting space for the Board of Directors and members of the public. MWD began occupying the Headquarters Building in 1998.
A threat and physical security assessment of the Headquarters Building was completed by MWD consultants in 2016. This assessment recommended the addition of several physical features to enhance the building’s perimeter security, access control, and interior security protection systems. These recommendations are in conformity with best security practices for government buildings as stated in guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The recommended features to be added in a multi-phased approach include additional cameras, sensors and barriers, improved access control, and improved communication systems. Stage 3 improvements will enhance perimeter security along the exterior of the MWD site and courtyard and require real property rights from LACMTA.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Temporary fencing was installed around the MWD courtyard in 2018. MWD is now finalizing phase 3 of their security project which includes permanent physical security enhancements to the MWD courtyard and front entrance to the MWD HQ building. Permanent fencing will eventually replace the current temporary fencing. The transition is expected to be seamless as temporary fencing will remain up until the new permanent fencing is installed.
The permanent fencing design proposed will include four gates total, three main access gates and one after-hours gate. All gates will remain opening during business hours, except during lunch hours. During lunch hours, visitors will still have access to MWD cafeteria and courtyard through the West Visitors’ entrance. Gates will be closed and locked after business hours. In addition to fencing, 23 bollards (10 stationary, 13 removable) are proposed to be installed throughout the easement. All fencing and bollards are subject to LACMTA standard guidelines and LACMTA will be given a set of keys to unlock the new removable bollards. The location of the improvements is depicted as Option 1 on Attachment A and further depicted in Attachments B, C and D.
Permanent Easement
The above-described improvements require a permanent easement of 1,148 square feet for MWD to install, construct, maintain, repair, replace, reconstruct and operate fences, gates and bollards.
The easements are mutually beneficial and in conformity with best security practices for government buildings as stated in guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Staff proposes to provide them at no charge to MWD. The fees for temporary rights during construction were waived by LACMTA.
Description of Amendment to Union Station CC&Rs
A second amendment to the CC&Rs is required to allow the closure of MWD’s courtyard during lunch hours and after business hours. Currently, the CC&Rs allow partial closure of the courtyard during lunch hours.
Equity Platform
This addresses LACMTA’s equity platform by focusing and delivering improvements, management and organized use of MWD plaza on Union Station property for the safety of businesses and transit customers.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
This project will increase safety throughout plaza areas at Union Station.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to LACMTA. All construction and maintenance costs for fence, gates and bollards shall be borne by MWD.
Impact to Budget
No impact to budget
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommendation supports strategic plan Goal 2: Outstanding trip experience for all users of the transportation system. 2.1 Metro is committed to improving security. Action: Explore and implement prevention tactics, promote prevention as a first measure to reduce frequency and severity of crimes.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could choose not to approve the recommendations. This is not recommended as it will hamper safety and security improvements at the MWD Plaza.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Once the easement is granted, recorded and the CC&Rs are updated, MWD will obtain its building permits to construct the MWD Project.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Fencing Plan & Alternatives
Attachment B - Fence Design and Bollard Look
Attachment C - Design Plan
Attachment D - Proposed Easement Map
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Ken Pratt, DEO, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 922-6288
John Potts, Executive Officer, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 928-3397
Holly Rockwell, SEO - Real Estate, Transit Oriented Communities and Transportation Demand Management, (213) 922-5585
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: James de la Loza, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 922-2920
