Road repair projects are Council’s top priority for new fiscal year
Over half of Measure I funds earmarked for repairing local streets
At a specially scheduled meeting last Tuesday, the Porterville City Council gathered inside the Council Chambers to discuss priority projects for the city during the Fiscal Year (FY) of 20192020.
The Council had previously discussed projects they felt were a priority to the city, and a Tuesday’s meeting City Manager John Lollis was asking the Council for direction and additional input, now that the budgeting process for the new fiscal year has begun.
As requested by the Council, the top projects for the city are street improvement projects. The Council has dedicated at least 50 percent of funds generated from Measure I be allocated towards improving local streets.
At previous meetings the Council had specified street projects they felt were of top concern for the city. These projects include Main Street reconstruction from Morton Avenue to Olive Avenue, Henderson Avenue reconstruction from Indiana Street to Plano Street, and Villa Street reconstruction from Henderson Avenue to Olive Avenue.
The Main Street project is currently in the design phase, with an estimated total project price of $3.1 million. $800,000 of this total will be used for storm drains alone. Construction on phase one, from Morton Avenue to Putnam Avenue, will hopefully begin in 2021.
The Henderson Avenue reconstruction is set to begin this summer, with road work to begin at Indiana Street and extend to Jaye Street, at an estimated total project price of $1.5 million.
Villa Street reconstruction is undergoing its design phase, and construction is set to begin in 2020. This project
will total $4.3 million.
During discussion about street projects, Mayor Martha Flores expressed that she would like to see Union Avenue remain a high concern for the Council, given that road is heavily travelled during the school year.
Another priority project for the Council is the implementation of a new community recreation center. Currently, the city is in the process of acquiring property for planned construction of a recreation center. This project is landing at an approximated $10 million cost.
Henry Street Park upgrades are set as the third priority project. This plan is set in two phases which include dredging the park pond, repairing the exterior fencing, and improving landscape. It was recommended that the Council look at replacing park facilities such as the restrooms first.
A new animal shelter facility was deemed a priority by the Council, and is currently undergoing a hazard abatement process, as well as some minor interior demolition. The city decided that the new animal shelter will be located in the city limits on D Street, and will be a $2 million dollar project.
Remodeling the restrooms in the library is currently in the works, as the Council decided that this was something they would like to see done. The design phase is complete for a new family sized rest room downstairs, as well as a remodel of the rest room upstairs. Construction on these facilities are expected to begin this fiscal year.
Among the remaining projects, the Eagle Mountain Casino relocation project is currently at a standstill, as the tribe is waiting to receive determination, which will hopefully come in midsummer.
The highly anticipated Super Walmart in the Riverwalk Marketplace, is still in the planning stages, and plans for the facility have yet to be finalized.
The city’s Transit Zero Emission Vehicle Project is going well, and the city has eight out of the eleven buses in the electric fleet.
John Lollis, the city manager, announced that the city would like to repaint the military static displays before Veterans Day this year. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the UH1 “Huey” Medivac helicopter at Veterans Park, and the 20th anniversary of the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk at the Porterville Municipal Airport. Police Chief Eric Kroutil said that he had been in contact with Lemoore Naval Air Base, and is working towards collaborating with them to get the displays painted.
Before the meeting adjourned, Flores expressed her gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work city staff put towards compiling all the project information.
Council member Daniel Penaloza said that he would like to see money put towards upgrading the restrooms at Zalud Park and Veterans Park. He also said he would like to see some more beautification in the road mediums of Olive Avenue and Henderson Avenue.
Council member Milt Stowe stated that he would like to have a “Welcome to Porterville” sign for those travelling into and through the city. Council member Brian Ward added to this thought by suggesting directional signs within the city, that point to the major buildings, like the hospital, police station, and library.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for March 26 in City Hall located at 291 N. Main Street.