City Council approves storm drain contract changes amid community concerns

The City Council Special Committee Meeting held on June 2, 2025, in Carmel-by-the-Sea focused primarily on a storm drain contract that included a significant change order due to unforeseen conditions. The discussions highlighted the complexities and challenges faced during the drainage project, particularly on Eleventh Avenue.

The committee reviewed a change order that included an $11,000 emergency repair and adjustments related to discrepancies between survey data and actual storm drain alignments. Council members expressed concerns about the need for thorough assessments during the bidding process to avoid unexpected costs and delays. Javier, a project representative, explained that the condition of the pavement was worse than initially estimated, necessitating an expansion of the project scope to ensure proper drainage flow into catch basins.

Members of the public also participated in the discussion, with residents praising the construction company, Coastal Paving, for their cooperation during the project. However, they raised concerns about the inoperable fire hydrant at Eleventh and Carmelo and the poor condition of Second Street following the drainage work. Residents suggested that the city should consider repaving the affected areas to ensure long-term durability and safety.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of managing infrastructure projects in a city with aging utilities and the importance of community feedback in shaping future improvements. The committee acknowledged the need for better planning and execution to minimize disruptions and enhance the overall effectiveness of such projects.