​Demolition and removal of existing structures and site prep for new construction estimated to cost $30 million

By Irvine City News Staff

In a just-released city of Irvine memo obtained by Irvine City News, CalVet has informed the Irvine City Council that the proposed Veterans Cemetery at the Great Park will exceed $77 million in total costs. The estimate for the project includes over $30 million in expenses to demolish and remove the existing 77 buildings and surrounding concrete and asphalt and underground utilities on the currently approved 125-acre site known as the “ARDA Transfer Site."
 
CalVet, in its analysis, suggested this is considered a large grant request for Phase 1, compared to the annual national Federal funding appropriation of about $46 million.
 
The report noted that construction costs, without the engineering, demolition or remediation are estimated at $31.8 million.
 
According to the CalVet analysis only about 50 percent of the total cost is eligible for Federal funding; about $39 million. The balance, about $38 million, would have to come from State funds and/or city of Irvine or private fundraising.
 
Last month, in a contentious city council meeting, a proposal by Councilwoman Christina Shea to consider an alternative site for the cemetery was dismissed by lack of a second by any of the four councilmembers; Krom, Lalloway, Schott and Mayor Choi. The proposal was to consider the relocation of the future Southern California Veterans Cemetery from the northeast corner of the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, on the City land studied by CalVet, to an area near Interstate 5, owned by FivePoint. The potential “swap” site is currently being farmed and did not have any of the demolition or remediation costs of the City site.
 
Irvine City News spoke to several members of the veterans groups who testified in support of the consideration of an alternative site.  When asked about the study, they said they were not surprised as they had long anticipated these significant costs and the challenges they present to fulfilling their vision for the veterans cemetery at the Great Park.
 
Check back here for more updates as this story unfolds.

By Irvine City News Staff

Assemblyman Donald Wagner today announced his campaign to become mayor of the city of Irvine.
 
Currently serving the 68th District, that includes Irvine, he said in a statement: “Irvine is one of the most dynamic cities in the state. We have a diverse population with fantastic schools, a world-class university, and a bright future. My wife Megan and I have raised our family in this wonderful city and I look forward to helping lead it into the future.”
 
Wagner enters the race with a list of strong endorsements including Irvine Congresswoman Mimi Walters; Assemblyman Matthew Harper, also from Irvine; and Irvine Councilwoman Christina Shea, among others.
 
Wagner’s experience spans nearly two decades, beginning with his election to the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees in 1998 where he served three terms, six years as board president.
 
A practicing attorney, he is considered by many to be an expert on the state budget and taxation, having served on all three legislative fiscal committees. While in Sacramento, he served on the Assembly Education Committee with a focus on the K-12 system. He is also Assembly Chairman of the UC Caucus, which he founded to support the University of California system in the Legislature.
 
As he announced his candidacy, Wagner said: “I intend to deliver on the promise made to Irvine residents in 2004 to complete the Great Park and its related community facilities. I intend to create a real partnership between City Hall and our schools and colleges to improve their abilities to provide a quality education to our children. And I intend to engage the whole community to guide the future growth of this city in a reasonable and balanced way, enhancing everyone’s quality of life.”
 
​Wagner and his wife, Orange County Superior Court Judge-elect Megan Wagner have lived in Irvine for 25 years. Their three children attended Irvine public schools.
 
Wagner said in his announcement: “I have long enjoyed serving this community and embrace the opportunity to continue serving. Having been active in both state and local government, I believe I have a thorough appreciation of how government works, and how to be effective on behalf of the people of Irvine. I truly look forward to an exciting campaign and to sharing my vision of this great city with its residents.” 
 
 
 

April 26, 2016 Council Meeting

Item 3.9
Community Partnership Fund Grant Nominations
Shea: $2,000 to Orange County Veteran’s Park Foundation.
5-0 Approved.
 
Item 5.1
Approval of the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnerships 2016-107 Action Plan Funding Recommendations
The Federal Government provides funds to the City for affordable housing and other community support.  A full list of the allocations of these funds can be found on the City’s website.
Moved by Jeff Lalloway, Second by Lynn Schott. 5-0 approved

Item 6.1
Consideration of Councilmember Lalloway’s Request for Allocation of Funding to Support the Efforts of the Orange County Task Force for Drowning Prevention
Grant of $25,000 to support the efforts of the Orange County Task Force for Drowning Prevention.
Moved by Jeff Lalloway, Second by Lynn Schott. 5-0 approved
 
Item 6.2
Consideration of Councilmember Shea’s Request for a Presentation on Human Trafficking and Cities for Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Mike Hamel, Chief of Police, Michael Kent, Police Lieutenant, and Susan Kang-Schroeder, OC District Attorney’s Office Chief of Staff gave a presentation.
Moved by Councilmember Shea, Seconded by Mayor Choi to “direct City Staff to identify additional opportunities and strategies to help educate our community to the increasing problem of human trafficking and develop strategies to to help provide information and support to victims of trafficking and to return to City Council within 90 days…”
3-2 Krom and Lalloway left the meeting early.
 
May 10, 2016 Council Meeting

4.1
Irvine Animal Care Center Updated Mission, Values, and Goals and Programs
The City-Council appointed Subcommittee and staff recommended that the above items be updated and reaffirmed.
Moved by Lalloway, Seconded by Shea.
Approved 5-0

4.2
Purchase Agreement for 17422 Murphy Avenue
Purchasing a building for $7,585,000 to relocate 28 City employees from the following departments: Animal services, Regulatory Affairs, Emergency Management, Office of Professional Development, and Office of Professional standards.
Moved by Schott, Seconded by Lalloway.
Approved 5-0

4.3
Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Capital Improvement Program Preview
The list of capital projects are located at the City’s website.
Moved by Schott, Seconded by Lalloway.
Approved 4-0.  Councilmember Krom left early.