Each week, the City of Coronado City Manager’s Office provides an update that includes information on programs, services and issues within the City, as well as news, project updates and follow-up information when applicable. Featured below are highlights from that update. The entire City Manager’s Weekly Update can be found on the City’s website.
Eucalyptus Tree Update
The City Council has advanced its previous decision to replace the four Sugar Gum eucalyptus trees in the 100 block of E Avenue by approving a replacement plan at Tuesday’s meeting. Two of the four Sugar Gum eucalyptus trees identified as hazardous and at high risk for failing by a certified arborist have been removed. Last week, City staff met with several area residents regarding the replacement of the trees and attended a Street Tree Committee special meeting, where replacement tree options were considered. The City Council approved a recommendation from City staff, with input from the Street Tree Committee, which designated the Lemon-Scented Gum as the replacement tree. The Council agreed to add the Sugar Gum, the same trees on the block, as a replacement tree after hearing from residents. The Council added both trees to the City’s Approved Street Tree List as “Restricted Trees” since Coronado, like most cities, does not allow eucalyptus trees to be planted on public rights of way. The Council also agreed to task the Street Tree Committee to identify the single most prestigious and qualified Sugar Gum eucalyptus tree along the 100 block of E and nominate it for Heritage Tree status for City Council consideration. Finally, the Council directed City staff to develop a long-term management plan with input from local stakeholders for the eucalyptus trees along the 100 block of E. The remaining trees will be removed this month after tree crews can reschedule the job and bring the equipment back to the City. In addition to the replacement of the four trees on the 100 block of E, the City Council also directed that four other additional trees be planted either on the 100 block of E or other appropriate locations in the City.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Tenth Street Reconfiguration
The City wants to acknowledge the public’s concern with the delays associated with the installation of the pedestrian signals along Orange Avenue. Work on this project has been delayed due to unexpected requirements but is ongoing. The signal pole foundations have been poured, but work to install the poles themselves has been delayed due to the requirement to install individual pedestrian push button poles on the southeast corner of the intersection. The details of this change are being worked out and construction will resume as soon as possible. The City thanks the community for its patience.
Roundworm Concerns at the Cays Dog Run
Some citizens have reported seeing evidence of roundworm in fecal matter at the Cays Dog Run. Public Services, based upon best management practices, has taken standard precautionary measures at the Cays Dog Run to address any roundworm infections occurring in some dogs that frequent the park. Roundworm is the most common dog worm and requires treatment if dogs are infected. The Dog Run area was deep-watered to help flush contaminants from the area and the drinking fountain was sanitized and bagged. The fountain should be back to normal status by Monday, October 13 Residents are requested to monitor the health of their animals and if the animal is in poor health to refrain from bringing it into contact with other pets, and to please pick up after your pet.
Roundabout Through Traffic
Residents near the Pomona Roundabout have noticed that a percentage of drivers avoid going through the intended route of the roundabout by driving into the residential access driveway, which has several speed bumps and often has pedestrians. City staff is working on plans for additional signage and a new striping plan but drivers heading toward the San Diego-Coronado Bridge or other points north of the roundabout are asked to stay out of the access route, as it is intended for residential parking and access, and proceed through the Pomona Roundabout’s intended driving route.
National Rideshare Month
October is Rideshare Month, when we celebrate the many benefits of alternative commutes, such as carpool, bike, walk, public transit and vanpool. Coronado commuters are encouraged to consider alternatives to driving alone to work or school. The City is participating in the Corporate Rideshare Challenge. Individuals and organizations can sign up to participate at the iCommute program website and be entered to win free prizes. It’s a great time to try the Free Coronado Commuter Ferry, save some money, make some friends and get fit. Rideshare Month is hosted locally by the San Diego Association of Governments.
Civil Service Committee Vacancies
There is currently one vacancy, which is available immediately, on the Civil Service Commission and two vacancies for the same Commission that will be open the first of the year. Applications are being accepted now for the immediate vacancy and until 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, for the other two. Additional information can be found on this flier or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (619) 522-7320.
Library Exhibits
The Library’s main exhibit commemorates the one hundred year anniversary of the start of World War I, which began in August 1914. The exhibit, which will be installed by Wednesday, October 15, will feature text panels from the Library of Congress, as well as historic photographs, objects and memorabilia from WWI. Many of the items are on loan from the family of the late Walt Heinecke, whose father served in the war. The second exhibit, in a smaller exhibit case, features books written by Coronado authors. The display of books and their local authors celebrates local talent and promotes this weekend’s Coronado Writers Workshop hosted by the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission.
Hydraulic Spill
The Coronado Police Department responded to a call Tuesday, October 7, of a fuel spill spanning the 800 and 900 blocks of Orange Avenue. Hydraulic fluid spilled from a truck onto the No. 2, or right, lane of southbound Orange. The driver pulled over and called a clean-up crew to take care of the spill. The spill was deemed accidental and he was not cited. The California Department of Transportation also responded and sent crews to help direct traffic and clean up the spill. Traffic was backed up for several hours during the clean-up. The City thanks the community for its patience.
Upcoming Meetings
– The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting set for Monday, October 13, has been canceled.
– The Planning Commission meets at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, at City Hall, 1825 Strand Way.
– The Historic Resource Commission meets at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, at City Hall.
– A special meeting of the RSIP-3 will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, at City Hall.
– The Naval Complexes Coordinating Group meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, October 20, at City Hall.
– The Traffic Operations Committee meeting set for Thursday, October 23, has been canceled but will be held October 29.
– The Golf Course Advisory Committee meets at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, at the Golf Course, 2000 Visalia Road.
– RSIP-3 Committee meets at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, at City Hall.
