New lifeguard HQ plan gets nod

The City Council gave its approval Tuesday to the latest proposal for the oft-revised plans for the Lifeguard Headquarters at Main Beach, which has pitted safety issues against aesthetic and environmental concerns.

The latest revision consolidates previous proposals for two buildings into one facility, about as low as the present building. It would house most of the functions and additional square footage that the Marine Safety Department considers essential, while encroaching less on the beach.

“We are back again — hopefully with a new idea that will resolve some of the issues,” City Manager John Pietig said.

“This is the fifth or sixth design — frankly I have lost track.”

The proposal was inspired by the council’s decision in March to replace and remove an 80-year-sewer lift station from under the headquarters, allowing a basement to be constructed beneath the new structure.

Pietig said the new footprint would mean less intrusion into the bluff, which could be retuned to a more natural state and that would please the California Coastal Commission, always a plus.

Impacts on public views would also be reduced.

The Marine Safety Department would get 6,400 square feet of space, 1,900 more than in the last proposal, which makes more room for briefing, operations, equipment storage, and the future expansion of offices, if necessary.

Pietig said another advantage of the plan is the possible installation of an emergency generator to service the lift station and the headquarters.

“That could save hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Pietig said.

However, the plan does have some drawbacks.

The lifeguards would lose views of the north end of the beach, mitigated slightly by the use of cameras, which would be helpful, but not as good as a set of eyes.

Cost of construction could be increased, but the difference is not expected to be significant.

The design could be required to include an elevator to meet American with Disabilities Act requirements for public buildings, a design and space issue, which could cost $70,000.

The basement will have little natural light. Design options will be pursued.

“We will look at solar tubes, but it will still be a basement,” Pietig said.

Despite the loss of the view to the north, the lifeguards supported the proposal.

The Inn at Laguna management still has reservations.

“John summed it up pretty well from our perspective,” said Marine Safety Capt. Kevin Snow, who is set to replace longtime chief Mark Klosterman when he retires.

If the revised design from the concept approved by the council, construction of the headquarters could begin in winter 2011, depending on the review process.

BARBARA DIAMOND can be reached at (949) 380-4321 or coastlinepilot@latimes.com.