Storm Prep & Cleanup
Three major storms has kept our Public Works crews focused on storm prep, cleanup, & repairs since the first of the year. The constant rains saturated the hillsides, which caused several rockslides & landslides. Crews had to close Pebbly Beach Road (PBR) several times due to fears of fallen rock potentially injuring someone. Fortunately, St. Catherine Way held up relatively well and was able to remain open. Fallen rock had to cleared along Wrigley Road and PBR throughout the storms. Crews replaced three damaged fence panels along PBR, and patched a large hole in the road created by one of the fallen rocks. Once the repairs to PBR were completed our focus shifted to St. Catherine Way. Several sections of k-rail had to be moved away from the hillside to clear numerous dump truck loads of fallen dirt & rock. Besides road maintenance, the storm required our crews to attend to several roof leaks, and other rain related issues. Overall, we were able to stay on top of the rains, and ensure safe travel for all residents & visitors. We are looking forward to the dry weather predicted for the next couple of weeks to allow us to get caught up on other Public Works tasks.
Fallen Tree on Sumner Ave.
Crews were called out Tuesday evening to remove a tree that had fallen in front of the Catalina Realtors office located at 128 Sumner Avenue. Chainsaws were used to cut the tree up into small sections, and residents took the wood away. All the work was miraculously done within an hour. Fortunately nobody was injured, and the only damage that was incurred was to the realtors office sign. This a great example of how our crews must occasionally jump into action after hours.
Via Casino Arch Restoration Project
By now, everyone has seen the completed restoration of the Via Casino Arch. MKS Specialty Services, with the help of our Public Works crews, did a tremendous job with this project. The protective coatings will keep the arch in good condition, and should last for decades. You will also notice the lighting that was installed within the exterior arches, which was done by our crews. Weather delays, and a couple other surprises, delayed the project slightly. We felt however that the project was completed in a very timely manner. Some additional cleanup & landscaping will be completed by Public Works, but the project is otherwise complete.
ESG Engineering Site Visit
Several engineers from ESG Engineering visited the island on Friday to review several projects they are currently working on for us. Bob Greenlaw, Jon Gilbert, and Jamie Hmielak joined them as they visited each project site. The projects included various items for both the Catherine and Pebbly sewage lift stations, Mole, 206 E. Whittley, Bonita Way stairs, and our maintenance yard. The visit was success as they obtained valuable information for these projects, and everyone was there to answer any questions that were brought up. Further updates will be provided for these projects as they progress.