Council awards contract to repair ribbon gutter at Doris Davie Park after 2023 storm damage

The Victorville City Council unanimously approved April 15 a construction contract to repair the damaged ribbon gutter and associated drainage at Doris Davie Park. The damage stems from heavy flows during Tropical Storm Hillary in August 2023 that dislodged the concrete ribbon gutter along the Oro Grande Wash.

Staff said in the immediate aftermath public works removed some damaged concrete and made the area safe; the approved contract to Kelly's Underground Construction Inc. in the amount of $206,720 will complete grading, concrete reconstruction and restore the ribbon gutter to its pre-storm condition. Landscaping restoration and hydroseeding will be performed by city facilities staff.

Council also adopted Resolution No. 25-036 to amend the FY2024-25 budget, appropriating an additional $110,100 from Fund 202 for the project. Staff said the work is meant to restore the existing structure rather than implement a multimillion-dollar box culvert, which would require extensive permitting and environmental review.

Councilmember questions focused on whether the site had been cleared for contractor access and whether the contractor would be responsible for any damage to turf or irrigation. Public Works staff confirmed some removal and grading has been completed in-house and that the contractor must restore any damage caused by construction. The motion to accept staff's recommendation passed unanimously: Councilmember Godin ' yes; Councilmember Irving ' yes; Councilmember Deborah Jones ' aye; Mayor Pro Tem Herriman ' yes; Mayor Elizabeth Becerra ' yes.