Ramona-Ronada Project About to Move Forward

Construction could start next month on the long-anticipated Ramona-Ronada traffic safety project if the Piedmont City Council approves a construction contract and budget at its meeting tonight.

The project is a landscaped triangular peninsula meant to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety at the intersection, which is on a route often used by drivers as a shortcut from Moraga Avenue to Grand Avenue. It will serve to shorten a crosswalk at the corner.

According to a staff report from Mark Feldkamp, the city's parks and project manager, the low bidder for the project is Cleary Brothers Landscape Inc., with a bid of $116,867. The overall budget for the project is $138,554, which includes construction, management and inspection services and a contingency fund.

Feldkamp noted that Cleary Brothers has built several other city projects, including Exedra Plaza, the Japanese Tea House deck and the Dracena Tot Lot.

Funding for the public-private project comes from the City of Piedmont, the Piedmont Beautification Foundation, the Piedmont Garden Club and neighborhood residents. An additional $33,132 from the city's Capital Improvement Projects Fund (CIP) will be needed to fill a funding gap, Feldkamp's report says.

Design plans for the project include boulders and plantings, anchored by a coastal live oak, along with a stone bench and flagstone walkways.

Feldkamp said that if the project receives final approval from the council, construction would begin in June and be completed in about six weeks.

Landscaping and irrigation would be added in a second phase, starting in late August and finishing by the end of September, he said. That work will be performed by city employees.

Fire Chief

Also on tonight's council agenda: presentation of a proclamation to retiring Fire Chief Edward Tubbs and consideration of the appointment of Capt. Warren McLaren as interim fire chief, effective June 1.

The council's public session begins at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers, 120 Vista Ave. You may see the complete meeting agenda and accompanying staff reports on the City of Piedmont website.