FRIDAY LETTER
U.S. Open - City Ready
Wondering if the City is ready for U.S. Open next month? Come hear Chief Paul Tomasi and Public Works Director Bob Harary share our preparedness during the City Council meeting on Tuesday (5.7.19) at 4:30 pm.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 27th, 2019
The Carmel Police Department started taking prescription drugs for disposal as part of a grant program six years ago. The Grant was sponsored by Cal Am in an effort to keep prescription drugs from entering our water systems. The drop off is located in the lobby of the police station and every six months the PD disposes of all the collected prescription drugs through the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This program helps keep unwanted prescription drugs from falling into the hands of unauthorized users. Six years ago, Carmel was the only police department in the county providing this service to the community. Today, there are several police agencies that participate. Saturday April 27th was National Prescription Take Back Day. Can you guess how many pounds of prescription drugs were turned in by the Carmel Police Department this past weekend? Keep in mind this is only six months worth of collection. The correct answer is at the bottom of the picture:
A. 50 pounds
B. 125 pounds
C. 285 pounds
D. 325 pounds
Answer: D 325 pounds
PG&E Gas Pipeline Project Nears Completion
After seven months, installation of the new, 0.9-mile long, 6-inch diameter gas pipeline, and all service connections, were completed this week as the last section of yellow pipe was installed (see photo). The project now enters the final restoration phase including paving.
Asphalt paving was completed on the eastern side of the project alignment: along Camino del Monte, south along San Carlos Street to Fourth Avenue, and west along Fourth Avenue to Lincoln Street. New thermoplastic striping, pavement markings, and parking tees are now in progress.
During the week of May 6, San Antonio Avenue, between Second and Fourth Avenues, will be completely closed during the day. The pavement restoration will include pavement grinding, patch paving, and paving an overlay over the entire street. Please avoid this area if possible or be cautious along the detour route.
After San Antonio, during the following two weeks, May 13th to 24th, the paving contractor will head eastbound along Fourth Avenue to complete grinding, patch paving, final paving overlay, raising utility manhole covers, and thermoplastic striping. Please be cautious with the various, shifting detours in effect as the contractor advances eastbound.
Beware - Nice new asphalt pavement does not equate to higher driving speeds. Speeding will be monitored by the Police Department supplemented by the speed feedback trailer and the traffic counter.
The project is expected to be 100% complete on the May 24th deadline, just before the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. This was a challenging project with a number of twists and turns along the way. We appreciate the patience you have shown in this process.
Sidewalk Repair Project
The City’s annual Sidewalk Repair Project is going well. This week, the City’s contractor completed the first segment of sidewalk reconstruction along Sixth Avenue west of Junipero, including reconstruction of an ADA accessible curb ramp. We are also finishing up replacement of the driveway into the Park Branch Library and began reconstruction using permeable pavers along Ocean Avenue at Devendorf Park.
Car Accident
As a result of a non-injury vehicle accident early Sunday morning at Santa Fe Street and Third Avenue, a 20-foot tall Cypress tree was uprooted and had to be removed. Public Works Forestry crews responded first thing Monday morning, removed the tree and stump, and reinstalled the truck/bus route sign.
And Another Accident
Another vehicle accident resulted in a car going off the road and getting wedged up against a tree. Fortunately, this tree survived. Public Works replaced the split rail fencing and restored the path this week. Please drive carefully!
Fifth Avenue Drainage Project Repairs
Starting Monday, May 6, contractor Anderson Pacific will return to Fifth Avenue, between Santa Rita and Santa Fe Streets, to repair the new storm drain trench that unexpectedly settled, apparently due to an unknown, underground spring. Specifically, the contractor will remove the steel plates and install a French drain to divert this spring into a manhole. Next, the storm drain pipeline trench will be reconstructed and the roadway repaved. This repair is estimated to take two weeks. Please avoid this area if possible or be cautious as you follow the detour route.
Tree Removal
A Monterey Pine tree at Junipero and Fourth Avenues was pronounced dead and was removed this week. Creative ideas for replacing the many trees that were lost over the past years (due to drought, disease, storms, and old age), were discussed at the Tree Workshop held on April 25thhosted by the Forest and Beach Commission. We welcome your constructive ideas, hands-on help, and donations to bolster the City’s forest restoration fund. And we are grateful for those who have been helping for years.
More Leadership on the part of City Staff
On April 30th, Carmel Building Official Dick Bower was notified that he has been selected to receive the Monterey Bay Air Resources District's "Clean Air Leadership Award." The award recognizes individuals or organizations for "Demonstrating exemplary leadership in working toward improved outdoor air quality in a neighborhood, local community,city or county."
In the nomination the District commends the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea for working closely with them to educate the public about their asbestos abatement goals; and for improving communication and cooperation between the District, the City, and building permit applicants regarding air quality standards related to construction projects. To quote the nomination, "Mr. Bower and the City of Carmel have been an important partner with the MBARD mission of protecting clean air for our community, and in turn, deserve recognition and the Leadership Award at the Clean Air Awards."
Dick will be accepting the award on behalf of the City at the Districts Clean Air Leaders Awards event at the Wedgewood Carmel event center in Carmel Valley at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16th.
Fox Sports Producer Rocket Rerig
Mayor Potter was interviewed by Fox Sports last Saturday in anticipation of the U.S. Open next month. The Mayor discussed the unique characteristics of the Village, and the resident's appreciation for the natural environment. Rocket didn't actually do any 'production,' she acted as the 'marker' for the video work.
Happening at Sunset Center and Forest Theater
- The prestigious EG Conference returns to Sunset Center from May 2-4. The people who attend EG are among the most industrious and iconoclastic talents of our time. Visit https://egconf.com for more information.
- Carmel Music Society presents Manual Barrueco, guitar on Sunday, May 5 at 3PM. Visit www.carmelmusic.org for tickets and information.
- Carmel Public Library Foundation presents The Still An Optimist Edition with three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Thomas L. Friedman on Tuesday, May 7. Please click here here for tickets and event details.
- An Artist Reception will be held on Thursday, May 9, from 5-7PM in the Marjorie Evans Gallery in celebration of the Gallery’s May Abstract Shapes in the Landscape group exhibition presented by the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association.
- And announcing the return of the free Locals Lunch Concert Series taking place on Sunset Center’s lovely outdoor Terrace Stage beginning with talented local singer songwriter Talmon Owens on Friday, May 10 from 12:30-1:15PM!!!
Should be a busy weekend in the Village, so be extra kind to one another and guests alike. And, as always, take good care.
CR
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