CITY OF HOMER

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Carey S. Meyer, Director Telephone: (907)235-3170

3575 Heath St. Fax: (907)235-3145

Homer, Alaska 99603 EMAIL : cmeyer@ci.homer.ak.us

City of Homer – Public Works Department

PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT

October, 2003

Below is a short description of the status of all significant 2003 projects. This long list of projects reflects the results of the City's aggressive capital improvement program (utilizing a variety of federal and state grants and loans, local tax revenues, and benefited property owner participation). This report is part of an ongoing bi-annual effort to update the community regarding the status of all construction projects. The previous status report was prepared in March of 2003, was provided to the City Council in the City Manager’s Report, and has been available on the City’s web page.

Kachemak Bay Multi-Purpose Ocean Dock - The new dock is substantially complete. A few small items remain for the Contractor to complete, including miscellaneous details and clean-up work. The Contractor has filed a lawsuit over claims that pile driving was more difficult than expected. The City and it’s engineering team are working together to defend against the claim. In addition to the original dock construction project, the City is also coordinating (on behalf of the USCG) the design and installation of a camel log, fender modifications and constant tension winches at the Coast Guard berth. Also, the Coast Guard has requested that a dolphin be installed near the northwest corner of the dock to provide additional berthing integrity needed during winter storm events and to minimize dredging costs at the berth. The permitting and construction of this dolphin improvement are on hold. The Coast Guard is funding all additional dock improvements. The City staff continues to exert considerable effort regarding this project.

Deepwater Dock Damage Repair – The repair of the damaged deck panels was completed in November 2002. The panels were removed, inspected and minor structural damage was repaired. The panels were grouted back into place. The approach trestle to the dock can again safely support log truck deliveries. The cost of this work will be borne by the vessel causing the damage.

Deepwater Dock Crane Installation – The new 7.5 ton crane has been installed on the Deepwater dock and it is now being used as was intended.

High-Mast Light Pole Replacement – The small boat harbor high mast light that blew down near Ramp 3 will be replaced. A second pole (to be install near Ramp 6) has been purchase, but installation funding for this second pole has not yet been identified. Both 150’ poles are on-site. The contractor has ordered lights and lowering mechanism, with operation of the Ramp 3 pole expected by the end of the year.

Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) Study – To develop solutions to the sewer treatment plant upsets we have been experiencing during wet weather, the City initiated a study of the sewer collection system. Flow measuring devices have been installed at various locations and rainfall events have been recorded. Results of this study have suggested that the problems are caused by inflow (from service connections). Final study was received in July and results will be used to formulate a plan, including creation of new policy and regulations, formulated to eliminate unwanted surface and groundwater contributions to the sewer collection system. These recommendations will be presented to the City Council for review and approval.

1.0 MG Water Storage Tank - This project was bid early in 2003 and a notice to proceed has been transmitted to the Contractor. The total construction cost of this project is anticipated to be $1,280,000. The project is now complete. The tank is in operation, providing additional storage equal to one peak day’s water usage. In addition, this storage improvement allows the water treatment plant to operate more efficiently and provides for fire flows and emergency demand.

Animal Shelter - The Council approved the award of the design contract in October 2001. A design review committee of various animal advocates, facility users, community members, and City representatives met to provide comments to the conceptual plans presented by the architect. Cost estimates were prepared for the approved conceptually designed facility to define appropriate work scope and budgetary constraints. The original site proposed for the shelter could not be acquired and alternative sites for the new facility were evaluated. Currently, the project is proposed to be constructed at the same location as the existing shelter. The building is being re-conceptualized for placement on the existing site in a manner that minimizes earthwork, construction costs, and the impacts of construction on the existing shelter. Much of the funding for this project is in place, but some additional funding will most probably be required.

Homer Public Library Project – The architect has been selected. The Library Advisory Board, along with interested community members, are currently involved in developing space utilization criteria for the building. Conceptual site plans will be developed from that and presented to the community and the City Council before the end of the year. The schedule calls for 65% design to be completed by August 2004 (to allow construction funding acquisition efforts to be initiated) and 100 % design will be complete by February 2005. If construction funding can be obtained, the Library could be open in the Fall of 2005.

Jack Gist Recreational Park Improvements - The recreational park site has been prepared in anticipation of approximately 60,000 cubic yards of fill being placed on the site as part of the ADOT East End Road Improvement project. The street right-of-way providing access to the site has been cleared (mostly with volunteer efforts), a drainage system has been installed (funded by KPB), and coordination with ADOT to define fill and access requirements has been finalized. A grant has been obtained to build the softball fields once ADOT awards the construction contract and the fill has been placed. We had hoped that construction of the ADOT East End Road project would begin to years, but it now looks like the road project will begin this summer (2004). The softball field improvements could potentially be installed the following year, with the first full season of use in 2006.

Ocean Drive Bluff Erosion Control – This project is complete. As soon as all costs have been determined, the assessment district will be formalized. The final assessment roll will be approved by the City Council before the end of the year. Bond to finance the cost of the project are currently being secured. A letter will be sent to all property owners, responding to the questions and issues raised at the public meeting in October.

Deep Water Dock Corrosion Repair – A structural engineer has inspected the condition of the Deep Water Dock and confirmed significant corrosion problems. The engineer has completed a detailed corrosion study, including an analysis of the adequacy of the existing cathodic protection system. The engineer is currently preparing construction bid documents to install an improved cathodic protection system. This work is expected to be complete next summer. Future work may include adding pile coatings and other repairs to prolong the useful life of the structure.

Jenny Way Road LID - Additional gravel placed in the road three years ago by Public Works has improved the conditions that existed when the LID was formulated. Progress on this project has slowed, with right-of-way acquisition and staff time issues being the main constraint.

Homer Water and Sewer Master Plan 2003 – The engineering firm has been selected, a contract has been executed, and the firm has initiated plan preparation. This effort includes creating a computer model of the existing water and sewer system, identifying how service can be most effectively extended into areas not currently served, determining what improvements to the existing system will be needed to support expansion, define the cost and suggest a schedule for necessary future capital improvements, and incorporate water and sewer data into the City's GIS information system. The water treatment plant, fire flow transmission, distribution, and storage capacities will be evaluated. The sewer treatment plant, piped collection system and pump station capacities will be evaluated. The computer models prepared as part of this plan will allow the City to understand (before development occurs) what impact it will have on the existing sewer and water system. The availability of aerial photography and topographic contour elevation information obtained as part of the new wetland study will facilitate the effective development of this plan.

West Lakeshore Drive Water and Sewer LID – This project is complete. Water and sewer mains installed as part of this LID are operational and property owners can make connections. The sewer pump station that existed in this neighborhood has now been removed and all wastewater flows by gravity over to the Lake Street main. The final assessment roll has been approved by the City Council and all benefited property has been assessed. This project is financed by the federal 2.5 % loan secured by the City specifically for this project.

Forest Glen Water and Sewer LID - This project is complete. Water and sewer mains installed as part of this LID are operational and property owners can make connections. The sewer pump station that existed in this neighborhood has now been removed and all wastewater flows by gravity over to the Lake Street main. The final assessment roll has been approved by the City Council and all benefited property has been assessed. This project is financed by the federal 2.5 % loan secured by the City specifically for this project.

Harrington Heights Water and Sewer LID – This project is complete. Water and sewer mains installed as part of this LID are operational and property owners can make connections. The final assessment roll has been approved by the City Council and all benefited property has been assessed. This project is financed by the federal 2.5 % loan secured by the City specifically for this project.

Mariner Drive/Starboard Drive Water and Sewer LID - This project is complete. Water and sewer mains installed as part of this LID are operational and property owners can make connections. The final assessment roll will be presented to the City Council and all benefited property has will be assessed. This project is financed by the federal 2.5 % loan secured by the City specifically for this project.

Hillside Acres Water and Sewer LID – The design of the Hillside Acres project continues with final plans being prepared, necessary easements being acquired, and environmental permits being obtained. The recent rejection of the Saltwater Drive water and sewer LID required some additional design work to provide sewer service to the LID. Construction of this project will start early in 2004 and be complete late this summer.

Thomson Drive Sewer LID – The design of these improvements is complete and the plans have been approved by ADEC for construction. The project was bid with the ADOT East End Road project this summer (2003) and construction of the sewer mains will be completed with the road improvement project (expected to be initiated and completed next summer, 2004).

East End Road Sewer LID - The design of these improvements is complete and the plans have been approved by ADEC for construction. The project was bid with the ADOT East End Road project this summer (2003) and construction of the sewer mains will be completed with the road improvement project (expected to be initiated and completed next summer, 2004).

East End Road Water and Sewer Extensions - As the design of the ADOT East End Road improvements is being completed by the state, the City has made an effort to identify any water and sewer improvements that may be required in the future along the alignment of the proposed road project. Public Works has been working with ADOT to include in the project the lowering of existing water and sewer mains that conflict with the new road elevations and to make sure that future road crossings and future service lines adjacent to our existing mains are constructed as part of the project. The City has also contracted for the design of the extension of the existing water and sewer main out to Kachemak Drive. Construction of these main extensions can be accomplished cheaper as part of the ADOT improvement than after road construction is complete. Funding for the main extensions has been obtained through the federal Clean Water/Drinking Water loan program discussed above. Recommendations regarding how benefited property owners will pay for their fair share of the extensions will be presented to the City Council soon.

Various Road, Water and Sewer LID Petitions – The formation of many water and sewer LID’s are requested by the public. The following is a list of projects for which boundaries have been established, conceptual designs have been completed, cost estimates have been prepared, and petitions have recently been, are or will soon be circulated:

Jeffrey Avenue Road Reconstruction and Paving

Lakeshore Drive Road Reconstruction

Harrington Heights Road Reconstruction (rejected by majority of property owners)

Bell Avenue Road Reconstruction and Paving

Cook’s Way Water and Sewer 

Latham Lane Sewer

Rosebud Court Water and Sewer (rejected during objection period)

Kachemak Drive Water and Sewer - Phase I (currently in objection period)

Kachemak Drive Water and Sewer - Phase II (rejected during objection period)

Ocean Drive Loop Road Sewer and Water

Mission Road Sewer

ADOT Bartlett Street Road Improvements – The ADOT is finishing the design of road improvements for Bartlett Street from Pioneer Avenue to the hospital; and Hohe Street from Fairview up to the hospital. This project will also include the replacement of the water line under Bartlett and Hohe. The City is responsible for coordinating the design of the water main replacement. The latest STIP list calls for construction in 2005.

ADOT East End Road Improvements (MP 0.0-3.75) – This project was bid by ADOT this summer and the contractor has been given notice to proceed. The contractor is completing survey and clearing work in anticipation of some winter utility work, but no significant earthwork is expected until Spring 2004. Construction of this improvement will most probably be completed by the fall of 2004.

Homer Skateboard Park – The new skateboard park has been paved and the facility is being used with the permanent ramps that were purchased through a community funding effort. Signage has been installed. The mural/site sign and benches are planned to be installed as soon as the mural has been finished and benches have been acquired. No additional obstacles, makeshift items or modifications to the existing ramps will be permitted.

Implementation of Beach Policy Task Force Recommendations – The City identified a Coastal Impact Assistance program grant and made application for funds to implement regulatory and educational signing installation, and access restriction/parking improvements. The City was awarded a grant for $75,000 for beach access restriction improvements and regulatory signing. Public Works has submitted to the Corps of Engineers a permit application (revised to reflect no fill placement) to construct two small parking areas along the east side of Homer Spit Road. All improvements were completed this summer.

City Beautification Efforts – The City produced over 10,000 plants for use in City and local business planting areas. A riding mower has been acquired to provide for more efficient and more often mowing of large lawn areas like Triangle Park, the Hazel Street property, and other park sites. The Parks and Recreation Department secured the use of a 200 gallon tank (mounted in pick-up truck) to make watering of City gardens more efficient and the community more beautiful. Baycrest Park received much acclaim this year, producing exceptional color and a wide variety of annual and perennial flowers. The other beds and park area around the City were given tender love and care by the Parks and Recreation department, adding color to summer activities. The Public Works Department will continue to assist businesses develop planting areas and expand and improve the City’s public planting spaces. The cold frame (used to harden City grown flower plants) was moved to eliminate snow plowing conflicts at the high school.

New educational signage was installed at Bishops Beach (signs provided by USF&W, installation by City crew).

Spit Restrooms – Utilizing a combination of City and State funds, Public Works will attempt to construct three new restrooms on the Spit. A restroom will be constructed near Ramp 6 on the west side of the harbor (work will be done to try to reduce the cost of this facility. Construction of the reworked project will occur next summer. As funds permit, the restroom at Ramp 4 will be demolished and a new facility will be constructed on the east side of the small boat harbor to replace it. State funds will be used to construct a small restroom near the Fish Dock for the use of commercial fisherman and dock workers.

Large Equipment Storage Shed – The design of a 12-bay shed to store large construction equipment has been designed. The intention is to maximize the use of available City owned material and crew labor to construct the facility. Funds are being sought to purchase the foundation and roofing materials.

Fire, Police, Airport Terminal Bldg Painting – The fire department, police department, and the airport terminal buildings received a fresh cost of paint/stain this summer.

Pioneer Cemetery Fence – A new fence was installed around the Homer Community Cemetery (Pioneer Cemetery). This fence was purchase out of last year’s budget and installed by Parks and Recreation staff with significant assistance from Public Works crews late this summer.
Flood Damage Repair- The following “projects” are complete or in the process of being completed. FEMA disaster assistance funding will pay for most all of this work:

Fairview Ave./Woodard Creek This project included the repair of road embankment erosion, culvert repair, debris removal and headwall construction.

Road Repair by City Crews This work represent the work of City employees who responded to the immediate need to repair roads and drainage system damage.

Debris Removal by City Crews This work completed by City crews included all labor and equipment time necessary to remove debris and deal with the immediate implications of the flood.

Emergency Protective Measures by City Crews This work included work to protect infrastructure from damage during the event.

Fishing Hole Repair/Spit Pathway Embankment Repair This work included cleaning up the Fishing Hole facility, removing debris and repairing damage.

Island View Water Main/Winding Trails Sewer Main Repair This work includes rebuilding embankments eroded by the flood, which exposed water and sewer mains.

Ben Walters Park Boardwalk Repair This work included relocation of the timber boardwalk after it was blown out of alignment.

Road to Reservoir Repair This work included repairing erosion damage to the road to the reservoir.

Mattox Street Drainage Repair This work included repairing erosion along Mattox Street, replacing ditch with culvert.

Seawall Flood Repair This work included diversion of surface water away from the bluff, replacement of damaged wall section and replacement of lost backfill.

Paradise Place and Saltwater Drive This work included replacement of damaged culverts and repair of eroded road embankment.