Public works outlines $5–6 million pavement bid, $2 million sidewalk package and options for Veranda, Abbott and Williams roads

Public Works Director David delivered a transportation- and parks-focused update to the Salinas Finance Committee on May 6, detailing planned sidewalk and pavement projects, funding sources and candidate major projects if additional fund balance is available.

What staff proposed David described two projects in the planning or bidding stages: a sidewalk project estimated at $2 million that includes roughly 18,000 square feet of new sidewalk, 2,000 linear feet of curb and gutter, 3,000 square feet of driveway approaches and about 74 ADA ramps; and a pavement project currently being bid that would place approximately 250,000 square feet of asphalt and 26,000 square feet of dig-outs, with bids expected in June and an estimated cost range of $5 million to $6 million.

Funding sources and fund balance David said the city combines SB 1, Measure X, state and local gas tax and the general fund for transportation projects. He listed approximate annual receipts: SB 1 funds about $4.2 million, Measure X $5.6 million (of which $2.3 million repays a bond), and gas tax funds about $4.3 million; staff typically budgets roughly $10 million per year for transportation projects. David reported an available transportation fund balance that had been estimated at about $13 million when the slides were created but later revised to roughly $8 million remaining for reallocation.

Options for use of available funds David presented three illustrative options for roughly $8–$10 million of available transportation money: continue Veranda Road through phase 2 and 2B (design work estimated at about $4 million); begin design and planning for Abbott Street (south of Sanborn Road), which carries heavy truck traffic and would require full-depth rehabilitation estimated at $10–$15 million for construction; or add funds toward Williams Road undergrounding, which staff estimates would cost about $10 million in total (including an estimated $3.5 million in PG&E Rule 28 contributions already available).

ADA ramps and costs David said ADA ramps typically cost $3,500–$4,500 each and that the street crews have not kept pace with ADA ramp work in prior years; staff proposes adding money to bring work into compliance when roadway projects occur.

Parks and maintenance Parks staff reported an overall park maintenance budget of about $4,000,000 covering systemwide maintenance and staffing, with roughly 17 positions (including one approved overhire) and a current ratio of about 14.9 acres per FTE; the national standard cited by staff is roughly 11 acres per FTE. Staff said Ensign Community Park landscape and mow contract has been incorporated into next year’s budget.

Workforce and delivery David explained the city uses an internal concrete crew and asphalt crew for many smaller projects (maintenance crews can be less costly than contractors), but larger arterial projects require contractors with traffic control capacity. He said doubling the volume of maintenance work would require substantially more staff, vehicles and mechanics.

Amazon and local impacts When asked about Abbott Street, David said Amazon is not responsible for paying for the existing pavement maintenance. He noted Amazon’s operations are expected to increase vehicle trips on that route, and city staff and managers are discussing timing and mitigation.

Action Committee members moved and seconded a motion to receive the public works report; roll call recorded D'Arrigo: yes; De La Rosa: yes; Mayor Donahue: yes. The motion passed.

Why it matters The city’s pavement management index is around 55–56 (where 80+ is considered good), and staff estimated the system would require $34–40 million per year to fully maintain a good network while current recurring revenues are roughly $10 million. Committee members asked staff to return with options and trade-offs so the Council can prioritize repairs and staffing.