Fountain Valley gives green light to revamp deteriorating parts of Harbor Boulevard

Plans to revamp deteriorating sections of about a mile stretch of Harbor Boulevard are moving forward, with Fountain Valley authorities ready to start accepting bids in the next few months.

The Fountain Valley City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the project, a collaboration with Orange County that is expected to improve the road by covering sections with paving material known as rubberized asphalt concrete.

Public Works Director Mark Lewis said improvements would be made from the south to the north end of town. Bids are expected to be sought by spring or early summer.

Sidewalk sections, gutters, median curbs and curb ramps, which must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will also be renovated as part of the improvement project.

About $1.6 million is budgeted for the improvement project, according to a staff report. The county will reimburse the city up to $200,000 for its portion, between Heil and Edinger avenues.

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Creating a drought-tolerant landscape

The council also unanimously approved the hiring of a landscape architect firm to develop a drought-tolerant master plan for future landscaping projects.

The Costa Mesa-based firm, NUVIS, will use existing topography features and include drought-tolerant alternatives such as synthetic turf to create new, thematic scenery throughout the city, according to a staff report.

Efforts to create a drought-friendly terrain is in response to the city’s limited ability to water all areas as California enters its fifth year of drought.

Six proposals were received, but NUVIS won the contract with a bid of $85,112, according to the staff report.

Following the creation and approval of NUVIS’ master plan, city staff will seek separate services to design and implement construction.

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Request for new command vehicle

The city’s Fire Department has used a Ford Expedition for the past 19 years as the fire command vehicle. But now the outdated vehicle will be replaced with a 2016 Chevy Tahoe.

Concerns about the Expedition’s reliability arose because of its age and deteriorating condition, prompting the City Council on Tuesday to unanimously approve the department’s proposal to purchase a Tahoe for $87,645.

“It’s about time we move forward with the purchase of a new [vehicle] that allows us more space and more reliability,” said Councilman Steve Nagel.

The new vehicle would ensure that the Fire Department has two command vehicles for use in emergencies, according to the staff report. Funds will be used from the capital budget for fleet management.

Once the new vehicle is chosen, the city will determine how to dispose of the Expedition, according to the staff report.