Carmel-by-the-Sea public works director outlines beach and forest projects, schedules summer stair repairs

Ken, the city’s new public works director, introduced himself at the May Forest and Beach Commission meeting and described a slate of near‑term and longer‑range projects intended to maintain public access and safety at Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea’s beaches and forested areas. He told commissioners he had spent ‘‘this last 4 weeks now, assessing, looking, listening, and starting to develop ... my vision’’ for public works and said the city’s adopted budget includes roughly $39 million in total and about $8 million for capital improvements.

The commission moved the public works director’s report from the consent agenda so Ken could present details and take questions. He said staff plan to replace the Eighth Avenue stairs ‘‘in kind’’ and is aiming to complete emergency repairs in July to restore public access. He described the sand ramp near Eighth Avenue as a priority because of emergency access concerns and said the city will both pursue a longer‑term study and consider temporary measures for the summer.

On the Tenth Street Stairt repair item, staff and commissioners said the work will be done under an emergency coastal development permit and replaced like‑for‑like with reclaimed redwood. Tamara (staff) said the project can proceed under an existing authorization line of roughly "59,000" (transcript recorded the figure as "59 99 99") and that Carmel Cares had donated $15,000 to support the work. Staff said in‑house crews will do demolition and coordinate a contractor to install the replacement stairs, with work targeted for July.

Ken said he will advertise two staff openings for public works: a forestry maintenance worker and a project manager to help manage the department’s project load. He described the department as small and noted one project manager is currently carrying a large portfolio of projects; he told commissioners he is aiming to build a public dashboard so residents and staff can track project status.

Other items Ken highlighted included: early design work to address the Fourth Avenue outfall so it functions more naturally while conveying stormwater to the ocean; a refresh of worn signage along the Scenic Pathway (staff characterized that work as sign maintenance rather than a full new sign package); and completion of new fencing around Devendorf Park (staff said the fence should be finished shortly after a temporary pause for the farmers’ market). Ken said the city plans the Eighth Avenue stairs work and other beach and stair priorities to be staged so access is available for summer visitors and Fourth of July weekends. He also confirmed standard summer preparations — additional portable toilets and increased trash service on busy weekends — would be scheduled.

Commissioners and staff discussed outreach and timing: they asked staff to post simple ‘‘Coming soon’’ signage at closed access points and to notify the commission when firm construction start dates are set. Several commissioners welcomed Ken and urged continued prioritization of safety, transparency and advance notice to council and the public.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to schedule an agenda item in July for a broader discussion of forest and beach priorities, not to set policy but to share commissioner consensus to relay to the City Council. Ken said he would reach out to the commission with dates and firm start times when available.