FRIDAY LETTER
Historic Resources Board Meeting Cancelled
The Historic Resources Board meeting scheduled for Monday, February 25th has been canceled.
Storm Damage and Recovery
This week, Public Works crews repaired most of the City’s infrastructure damaged by last week’s third major winter storm with strong winds. Nearly all tree debris has been removed from the streets, storm drains were cleaned out, and City fencing, as well as a City Hall light post, were restored. The quick restoration process for this, and the two prior storms, demonstrates the efficiency of fully integrating Public Works crews from facility maintenance, forestry, parks and beach, and street maintenance into one cohesive team. See something we've missed? Call Yvette at 620.2072.
Lighting Audit
Representatives from the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) met with Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Cleve Waters and Environmental Compliance Manager Agnes Martelet this week to conduct lighting audits at eight City facilities. This is the first step in the process of retrofitting existing fluorescent lights with light-emitting diode (LED) lights. LEDs are more energy-efficient, last longer, and provide better lighting than fluorescent lights. Additionally, LEDs do not contain mercury so they do not need to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
City facilities that were audited and are anticipated to move forward with lighting retrofits include: City Hall, Harrison Memorial Library, Park Branch Library, Sunset Center, Fire Station, Del Mar bathrooms, Vista Lobos facility, and the Norton Court Parking Garage. Over 500 fluorescent lights could be replaced at these facilities if the project proceeds as planned. The City intends to take advantage of rebates and PG&E's on-bill financing program to fund the capital cost of these retrofits, although the City may have to contribute funds to upgrade standard LED fixtures in historic buildings or to preserve high quality aesthetics in certain facilities.
Median Island Makeover
Here are before and after pictures of an entrance to the Village at San Antonio and Fourth Avenues. This is but one of many areas across the Village that are getting makeovers in preparation for the busy summer season, which includes the US Open, Car Week, and other upcoming events. Senior Maintenance Worker Mike Tope and other Public Works crews have been making great progress on this landscaping makeover initiative.
Thanks to Mary Liskin for voting to prefer chips to weeds.
Mission Trail Nature Preserve Stream Stability Assessment
City consultants Dudek and Waterways Consulting just completed a Stream Stability Assessment for the Mission Trail Nature Preserve. With oversite from Public Works, this technical report identifies projects needed to properly convey storm drainage and stabilize the stream which runs along the preserve, and to support natural habitat restoration. The existing stream is considered unstable as it causes erosion impacting trails, foot bridges, trees, and vegetation in the preserve.
The eight proposed improvement projects include:
- Repair headcuts in the upper reaches of the stream by reconstructing weirs and installing grade control structures;
- Realign and raise flat portions of the channel to restore natural hydrological patterns and reduce bank erosion;
- Remove a concrete ford; and
- Reroute tributary drainage that currently floods the access trail from Rio Road to dissipate sediment in a naturally low lying area of the preserve.
In addition, the assessment provides project cost estimates, recommends an effective sequence to implement the projects, and identifies the numerous regulatory permits required to work in the stream. The assessment will also allow the City, and Friends of the Mission Trail Nature Preserve partners, to apply for grants to help fund these important projects. The report is available on the City’s website at:
https://ci.carmel.ca.us/sites/main/files/file-attachments/mission_trail_preserve_memo_final__2-14-19-signed.pdf
New Flags
Facilities maintenance staff reverently replaced all worn and damaged flags this week.
HVAC Upgrades at the Libraries
Replacement of six furnaces and air conditioning units, and installation of new programmable thermostats and related HVAC equipment, are nearing completion in both the Harrison Memorial and Park Branch Libraries. The new furnaces are far more energy-efficient than the prior, outdated models. We anticipate completing all work by next week, far ahead of schedule! Kudos to Project Manager Robert Estrella for making this a successful project.
Here is what is coming up at Sunset Center in the upcoming week:
- Today, February 22, Sunset Presents Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha Chas at 8PM. Come celebrate the start of the Mardi Gras Season! Tickets and information available at www.sunsetcenter.org.
- On Saturday, February 23 at 7:30PM, Chamber Music Monterey Bay Presents the Catalyst Quartet. Visit www.chambermusicmontereybay.org for tickets and information.
- Carmel Public Library Foundation Presents: California Typewriter- Film and Community Discussion in Carpenter Hall on Wednesday, February 27 at 7PM. Visit www.carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org for more information.
- JUST ADDED, EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT!!! Sunset Presents STOMP on Wednesday, March 13 at 8PM. The international percussion sensation comes to Carmel-by-the-Sea! Tickets and information available at www.sunsetcenter.org.
Luna Kreitman - Head Bell Ringer
Every wonder about the bell ringers? Here's the boss (Luna Kreitman) with her helper Richard at All Saints Church recently.
Enjoy a few days without rain. See you soon and take good care.
CR
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