FRIDAY LETTER
CalRecycle Grant
At their March 19 meeting, the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle) awarded a $120,364 grant to the City for the purchase of 50 new, dual trash and recycling containers! Carmel is one of only 10 successful grant applicants across California for this year’s Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program. Kudos to Environmental Compliance Manager Agnes Martelet for writing a winning grant proposal.
The funds are anticipated in the fall. In the meantime, we will identify locations and container design, such as matching the new 'bear saver' cans at Del Mar or the teak containers in Devendorf Park, to maximize the benefits of the new containers.
The Power of Data
The Community Planning and Building Department is responsible to monitor, facilitate, and control development in the Village. To best serve this role, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of the past and present, as well as an idea of what the future could look like. In recent years, the CPB has placed an emphasis on acquiring data to help inform us on decisions. For example, using our permit software, we have tracked the number of transient rental permits issued in the past year, which helped inform the City Council in making a policy decision on this matter. Another example is collection of air quality data at the beach last summer, which will help inform policy decisions regarding the Beach Fire Pilot Program.
The Cityhas posted a new page on the City's website entitled: Special Reports and Studies ( https://ci.carmel.ca.us/post/special-reports-and-studies). On this page you will find our recent commercial vacancy study, a slide presentation showing all new and remodeled buildings approved over the past three years, a map of the historic resources in the downtown, and a permit activity report dating back to 2008. All of this information informs us in the work we do and the policy decisions we make. We encourage you to visit this website page.
No More Scenic Pathway Puddles
This week, Jaime Aquino and Tom Lang filled in depressions along the Scenic Pathway to eliminate puddles and uneven surfaces. The holes were filled in with cement-treated decomposed granite.
Island Upgrades
Public Works continues to clean up islands along Junipero, at Eighth Avenue and Santa Fe Street, and other locations around the Village by pulling weeds and placing mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture and minimizes erosion by holding soil in place. These island upgrades will continue.
Capital Improvement Program Projects Unveiled for Fiscal Year 2019/20
At the March 19, 2019 Special Council Meeting, we presented 25 worthy infrastructure, facilities, forestry/beach, and equipment projects, as well as potential funding sources to pay for most, but not all of, these projects. Through a collaborative selection process, and with often passionate participation from the public, the City Council voted for 18 projects that will best serve the community for years to come. A couple of additional projects requires more homework before final consideration. Before officially adopting these project as part of the FY 2019/20 Budget, the Planning Commission will be asked in April to confirm conformance with the General Plan.
The following list identifies the top, baker’s-dozen projects. The total value of all projects is $1.6 million of City funds plus $407,000 from outside funding sources and donations.
- Paving or slurry surfacing of 22 road segments (in addition to 27 segments which will start in a couple of months)
- Preparation of the City’s first ever Master Drainage Plan
- Traffic Calming median islands along San Carlos, between Tenth and Thirteenth Avenues, and possible bike route signage and striping along San Carlos north to Ocean Avenue
- Design of the Scout House renovation
- Design of a Harrison Memorial Library renovation
- Continuing ADA upgrades at various City buildings
- Replacement of Sunset Center’s boilers
- Climate Change and Resilience Plan (augments Shoreline Assessment Plan)
- Downtown tree replacement project
- Continued invasive tree removal at the Mission Trail Nature Preserve
- North Dunes Habitat Restoration area monitoring, weeding, and seeding
- Vehicle barriers for public safety at community events
- Fire and Ambulance radios to tie into the regional radio network
For more information on these projects, please call Public Works at 620-2070.
Happening at Sunset Center and Forest Theater
- Carmel Music Society presents pianist Wu Han this Sunday, March 24 at 3PM. Visit www.carmelmusic.org for tickets and information.
- Carmel Unified School District will hold its Annual Band Festival at Sunset Center on Tuesday, March 26.
- The Carmel Resident’s Association presents Ready, Set, Prepare - Carmel’s Emergency Plan in Carpenter Hall on Thursday, March 28 at 5PM. Visit www.carmelresidents.org for more information.
- Sunset Center’s next free, live webcast of Jazz at Lincoln Center in Studio 105 is on Friday, March 29 at 5PM with the presentation Marcus Miller: Electric Miles. No purchase is necessary but reservations are required as space is limited and can be obtained by clicking here.
- Sunset Presents Across the Great Divide - A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Band on Sunday, March 31 at 7PM. Two defining American roots groups, The Dustbowl Revival and Hot Club of Cowtown, join in an evening of their own songs and a special tribute to Music from Big Pink and The Band. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Have a great weekend and take good care.
CR
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