Measure DD Executive Team Update

April 12, 2007

 

 

Project Updates

The attached spreadsheet shows the status of each project as of 4-12-07.  Some highlights include:

  • The 12th Street Reconstruction Project bid opening in December 2006 resulted in only one bid, which was $9.3 million (26%) above the engineer’s estimate.  The bid was rejected and we plan to re-bid the project towards the end of this year.  Fortunately, a large source of Federal funding has become available and an application was submitted in March 2007.  NEPA environmental work is being prepared in support of the Federal funding application, and we are doing additional CEQA work concurrently.
  • The Lake Merritt Pergola Renovation Project was completed, and a re-dedication ceremony was held on March 3.
  • Construction continues on the Studio One Renovation Project, and it is 50% complete.
  • The structural work on the Municipal Boathouse continues.  Unforeseen conditions encountered during the foundation work include the discovery of contaminated soil under the former pumphouse and deteriorating underground/underwater beams that need extensive repair.
  • The Lakeside Park Fire Protection Project is complete.
  • Bids on the E.18th Street Historic Pier project will be opened on April 16.
  • In March 2007 a contract was awarded for construction of a segment of the Waterfront Trail at Alameda Avenue, near the Fruitvale Bridge.
  • .Also in March, a contract was awarded for construction of a central irrigation control system in Lakeside Park.

 

A lawsuit filed against the City regarding the removal of trees around Lake Merritt has delayed progress on landscaping projects around the Lake.  Settlement discussions between attorneys are ongoing.

 

One large impact to recreational use of the parks around Lake Merritt is the presence of large numbers of Canada Geese, and their associated waste.  We have hired a consultant to study the problem to identify options for goose management, including design modifications that we can incorporate into our Measure DD projects.  A community meeting on this issue, sponsored by Councilmembers Nadel and Kernighan, will be scheduled for mid-June.

 

Project Expenditures

The attached spreadsheet shows project expenditures as of March 30, 2007.  Approximately $28 million had been spent as of that date, which is far less than was anticipated when the bonds were sold in August 2003.  Various unexpected delays have prevented many projects from moving into the construction phase.  At Lake Merritt, opposition to tree removals and parking lots resulted in a nine-month-long public process to resolve the issues.  A lawsuit regarding tree removal is now causing additional delays.  At the Estuary, the Union Point Park Project is complete, but the adjacent Cryer Site Project is delayed as a remediation plan for the unexpected soil contamination is negotiated with the State Water Board.  Several other Estuary projects have been delayed due to the unwillingness of property owners, both public and private, to grant the City easements for the Waterfront Trail.

 

To spend large amounts of money in a short period of time, it is necessary to move projects into the construction phase, and we are working on several fronts to accomplish this goal.

 

 

Fundraising

We have applied for a $2.5 million Federal appropriation for the Lake Merritt projects.

 

We have applied for a grant for the Waterfront Trail through the Regional Bike/Pedestrian Program, and it appears likely that we will receive over $500,000.

 

We have applied for a grant for the Waterfront Trail through the 2006 State Recreational Trails Program.

 

We have applied for a large grant for the 12th Street Project from the Federal Highway Bridge Program, which we hope will result in a grant of several million dollars.

 

State Proposition 84, the Clean Water Bond passed in November 2006, will provide funding opportunities for water-related projects.  Details are being worked out through the State legislative process, and when the program rules are published the City should be well-positioned to compete for a share of these funds.

 

 

 

Questions or comments?  Contact Joel Peter, jmpeter@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7276.