Tree Trimming Continues
The tree trimming project with West Coast Arborists carried over into this week due to the strong winds we experienced last week. With the storm predicted for Tuesday, crews had to rush to finish the tree trimming on Monday. The remainder of the palm trees were trimmed along the waterfront. It is crucial that these are properly trimmed to help reduce dead palm fronds from falling onto pedestrians throughout the year. Trimming the palm trees also makes them much more visibly appealing. The remainder of the trees along Sumner Avenue were also trimmed. This completes our annual tree trimming service.
206 East Whittley Update
The sewer lateral installation was completed by Jordahl Construction a few weeks ago. We are now focused on configuring new water utilities to plan ahead for the upcoming building project. A new saltwater service line was installed this week. This included connecting the service line to the main in the street, and installing the piping through the property up to the existing building. SCE will eventually relocate their freshwater service meter, and new freshwater service lines will be installed. They will be configured so each unit there will be metered separately. Work here will continue intermittently as time allows. Updates for this project will provided as we move along.
Float Removal Continues
As mentioned in previous updates, Harbor Maintenance has been busy “winterizing” the harbor. This includes removing several floats and ramps. Crews hauled out the larger float that is used at the Green Pier. This is done with the use of the crane at the Mole. The float is towed to the crane with the use of a patrol boat. Lifting straps are positioned to cradle the float, which takes time to put in place so it is balanced correctly. It is then lifted out of the water, and placed onto a trailer. Our Lead Mechanic, Louis Rubio, assists by operating the crane due to his crane certification. The float was then taken to our harbor maintenance yard for various repairs.
Gas Leak Exercise with SCE
A 7.4 earthquake struck Avalon at approximately 8am Tuesday morning, which caused four major gas leaks in various parts of town. Not entirely true, but SCE pretended this happened as part of a full-scale training exercise. Avalon & County Fire Departments were included on this exercise, along with Jamie Hmielak from Public Works. All entities worked together to secure the areas where the gas leaks occurred. A plan was then devised at each location to determine how the leaks would be handled. Public Works main involvement in these situations is securing the area, and providing traffic control. Crews would also be on standby in case additional equipment and/or labor would be needed. Overall it was a very beneficial exercise for all parties, and provides experience that will prove valuable if a major disaster were to occur in Avalon.
Maintenance Yard Surface Cap Update
Jordahl Construction continued their work on installing the surface cap at the south end of our maintenance yard. As a reminder, this is not a City project. This is part of the remedial action plan that Waterstone Environmental is heading up. The existing concrete slab & wash down area interceptor were broken up and removed. Most of the other work involves grading of the entire area where the concrete surface cap will eventually be installed. We are hoping this project will be done by the end of the month, but that will be dictated by Jordahl & Waterstone Environmental. Further updates to be provided as this project moves along.