FRIDAY LETTER
River School Third Graders
Yesterday, Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Richards met with 84 (two groups of 42) third grade students from River School to talk about local government, and the democratic process of running a city council meeting, and our natural environment. The students elected a mayor and council members, and wanted to debate banning the sale of single-use plastic bottles under 21 oz. in the Village. The item passed unanimously.
Sidewalk Repairs
The City’s contractor is nearly finished with the annual Sidewalk Repair Project. This week they reconstructed a sidewalk segment along San Carlos Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Next week, they will relevel sidewalk in front of City Hall. Kudos to Rob Culver, Public Works Superintendent, who lead this successful project since the beginning and notes that this project is on time and under budget.
On-call Arborist Quiz
The City has contracted with two on-call arborists to support forestry management and operations. Which of the following tasks did our on-call arborists not do this week?
- Evaluate the impact of a proposed new house on a significant oak tree
- Assess two pine trees with canopies near high voltage power lines
- Provide recommendations for a stone pine that is lifting the roadway and causing drainage issues
- Approve 4 tree removal permits
Answer is below.
Sewer Lateral Inspection Required by CAWD
An ordinance recently passed by CAWD requires that property owners inspect and provide to the District a report of the results of the inspection of the lateral, prepared by a licensed plumber using closed-circuit television (CCTV) or other inspection or test method approved by the District Engineer when:
1. Building a new structure on property with an existing lateral, or when otherwise proposing to
connect a previously unconnected structure to an existing lateral;
2. As a condition of approval of any building remodel project involving plumbing work requiring a permit under CMC 15.24.010.
3. Prior to the close of escrow when the property is transferred via sale or other transfer of
ownership by deed, instrument or writing;
4. Whenever the District finds that a sewage overflow emanating from a lateral has encroached
upon public property, including but not limited to a street or storm drain system, or has flowed
onto private property owned by another property owner.
5. Whenever the District finds that a sewage overflow emanating from a lateral presents a threat to public health, even if it has not flowed across a property line.
CAWD has more information available by phone at (831) 574-6700 or email at inspector@cawd.org
Public Works Crews at your Service
This week, Public Works crews did a little bit of everything! For example, they kept the beach clean over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, grinded down concrete sidewalk uplifts, serviced the high ranger truck, trimmed trees, placed barricades for the “Run in the Name of Love” event, set new street name posts, checked out traffic control at construction sites, removed a dead tree, put out no parking signs, and.made beautification efforts in several Scenic Pathway areas. (That Dom Marquez sure seems to get around!)
Fifth Avenue Storm Drainage Project – Trench Repair
The Fifth Avenue Storm Drainage Project trench repair work will resume on Monday morning, June 3 and is scheduled to be complete by Wednesday, June 5. The work zone is located between Santa Fe and Santa Rita Streets; however, Fifth Avenue will be closed between Santa Fe and Guadalupe Streets to allow trucks in and out of the work zone.
This repair was required due to settlement in the newly-installed storm drain pipeline trench apparently due to an underground spring. The remaining work includes removal of the temporary paving patch, repaving the road, and removal of construction equipment. Please use an alternate route to avoid the work area if possible.
Community Planning and Building Strategic Plan
The Community Planning and Building Department (CPB) has completed its Strategic Plan. This plan was developed by CPB staff over the course of nearly a year, and was facilitated by the City's Building Official, Dick Bower. Among other things, the Strategic Plan includes 10 broad goals for achieving excellence in the Department’s services to the public. Objectives in support of these goals were also developed. The Strategic Plan provides insight into CPB and includes interesting information about the Village as well. You can view the Strategic Plan by clicking here.
Facilities Update
The Facilities Maintenance Division completed the removal of all twinkle lights from the Ocean Avenue medians in preparation for the upcoming, up-lighting and cross walk lighting project. Deteriorating wooden seats at the Forest Theater were also replaced this week.
Scout House Roof Replacement Grant
Yesterday, the City was notified that the California State Association of Counties Excess Insurance Authority has approved staff’s Property Grant application in the full amount of $17,800. This would match an equal City investment for replacement of the Scout House Roof. To be frank, we submitted the application literally at the very last minute and thought it would be a long shot to receive any funding. What a nice, and welcome, surprise!
Measure X Funding First Year Audit Results
This week, the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) notified us that the City of Carmel was in full compliance per an audit of Measure X funding. Specifically, Carmel was one of eight (8) agencies who received Measure X funds and were in full compliance while five (5) other agencies (including Monterey, Seaside, and Marina) were not. Measure X was a ballot measure that passed by nearly 68% of Monterey County voters in November 2016. The measure is anticipated to generate $20 million annually for Monterey County for a total of $600 million over thirty years through retail transactions and use tax of a three-eighths’ of one‑percent (3/8%). This year, the City anticipates receiving $175,980 from Measure X.
Run in the Name of Love
Run in the Name of Love will take place this Sunday, June 2, 2019 beginning at 8:20 a.m. The run will begin at Sunset Center, on San Carlos Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, continue along Scenic Drive to the finish line at Del Mar parking lot at the base of Ocean Avenue. Check out the Run in the Name of Love website for more information.
Farmers' Market
The Community Activities Department is conducting a short survey on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmer's Market. Please take our survey and let us know what you think! Anything we missed or other ideas? Let us know communityactivities@ci.carmel.ca.us or (831) 620-2020 .
No More Overdue Fines at the Library!
The Library Board of Trustees has adopted a Fine Free Policy that will go into effect July 1, 2019. Fines on all current accounts will be forgiven and no overdue fines will be charged after that date.
Overdue fines can prevent some patrons from checking out books and other materials from the library. The library wants to unblock accounts and encourage you to bring items back. Our goal is to make sure you can enjoy all the books and services the library has to offer!
For more information contact the Library at (831) 624-4629 (Main Library) or (831) 624-4664 (Park Branch).
Next Week's Meetings
The City Council meets next Tuesday (6.4.19) at 4:30 pm to discuss the fiscal year 2019/20 budget, beach fires, and short-term rentals in the commercial districts. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Happening at Sunset Center and Forest Theater
- This week, Sunset Center proudly announced the lineup for our 2019-2020 Sunset Presents Season. Show details can be found at www.sunsetcenter.org. Bravo! Member pre-sale for Level Act III & Above begins on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 12PM, and single event tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 12PM.
- Today, Friday, May 31, Sunset Center’s free Locals Lunch Concert Series took place on the lovely outdoor Terrace Stage, featuring soul singer James Lee Murray from 12:30-1:15PM. The Series returns on Friday, June 14 with talented singer/songwriter Moshe Vilozny from 12:30-1:15PM.
- Smuin Ballet returns to Sunset Center with their Dance Series 02, with a performance tonight, Friday, May 31 at 7:30PM and tomorrow, Saturday, June 1 at 2PM.
- Next Wednesday, June 5, Sunset Presents The Purple Xperience – celebrating the musical icon Prince. Tickets available at www.sunsetcenter.org, including exclusive up front, dance floor tickets!
Lesley and I are running a Spartan trail run Sunday morning in Toro Park, so we won't see you this year at the Love Run. Take care, and get ready for the next two weekends that will be quite busy with the US Open visitors.
On-Call Arborist Quiz Answer is D. The contracted on-call arborist provides advice on tree-related issues and tree permit applications; however, only City staff, Forest and Beach Commission, or the City Council can approve tree permits. Go hug a tree.
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