Via Casino Arch Restoration Project
Everyone was excited to see the Via Casino Arch Restoration project begin this week. MKS Specialty Finishes was hired to complete the restoration. Public Works crews assisted by getting the area setup to safely allow vehicle & pedestrian traffic to continue while the project is being worked on. K-rail barriers were installed to block off one traffic lane in the street, and this lane is now being used for pedestrian traffic. Traffic signs were installed to direct vehicles to yield to oncoming traffic due to the street only being one lane. Additional signage was installed to direct pedestrians through the barricaded walkway. Crews also supplied the contractor with plywood and other materials to be used for the project. MKS will remove & replace the deteriorated cement stucco, replace some of the damaged tiles, and paint the entire structure. The new paint is designed to hold up to the tough marine environment, and will help protect the Arch much better than the old paint. If all goes well, the restoration project should be completed by the holidays.
Christmas Tree Installation
Our new Christmas tree arrived, and was installed onto the Wrigley Stage as soon as we picked it up. Public Works crews assisted Community Services to assemble & install the tree. Several drums were placed inside the tree base, and filled with water to help anchor it. This is a safety measure that will help prevent the tree from getting blown over by a potential winter storm, and possibly causing injury to someone. The tree base was split in several sections that required numerous clamps to be installed to hold them together. Once the base was setup the branches were installed, which already included the lighting & ornaments. Our new tree can now be enjoyed by residents and visitors through the holiday season.
Palm Tree Lights
Dave Hart from Community Services has been looking into other lighting options to replace the rope lights that are currently installed onto the palm trees along the waterfront. The rope lighting has deteriorated over the years, and all of them needs to be replaced. A light fixture setup designed for trees was chosen, and three of them were purchased to see how well they work. Jon Gilbert installed the lighting fixtures with the help of our Public Works crews. One tree required additional electrical conduit to be installed underground. One was installed onto a tree located at Wrigley Stage, another near the Bluewater Avalon, and one in front of Lloyd’s/Cantina. So far the lighting seems to work well, and this option will likely be what replaces the existing rope lighting on all other palm trees. Feel free to check out the new lighting, and let Dave Hart know what you think.
Pumpout Dock Project Update
Our new pumpout float arrived this week, which was towed cross channel from Long Beach. Harbor Maintenance crews assisted the boatyard with hauling the float out. It will remain at the boatyard for our crews to install the equipment onto the float. This consists of the installation of the sewage pumps/pedestals, freshwater stations, piping, and electrical components. Jon Gilbert will be assisting with the equipment installation due to his knowledge of electrical & pump systems. Crews also worked on some of the shoreside of the project, which included installing the metal portion of the hose guide that had been previously fabricated. Due to several delays relating to the float fabrication, the completion date of this project has yet to be determined. Further updates will be provided as the project moves along.