Toll Study Brings Attention to Traffic Problems in Coronado The City recently conducted a study analyzing how much revenue could be generated from a new toll along the SR 75/282 corridor. The study is part of a larger effort to determine if the City has the funding capacity to pursue a major improvement project. The City recently released a study analyzing how much money could be generated from a new project toll on vehicles in Coronado. The results generated a lot of community discussion and feedback from the region. Concerns about a new toll, however, are a bit premature. The study is just one part of the overall SR 75/282 Transportation Corridor Project, which is being conducted to determine if a major improvement project between the bridge and Naval Air Station North Island is a viable option to ease traffic congestion. “The City is not advocating a new toll in Coronado,” said City Manager Mark Ochenduszko. “This study is simply one part of a larger financial strategy the City is pursuing to determine if a major improvement project in Coronado is possible.” The City cannot make the decision to place a new toll on SR 75/282. That authority rests with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the state of California. The City simply conducted a study to determine how much money could be raised to help pay for a major infrastructure project to address traffic congestion should other funding sources not be available. The City is currently considering several alternatives, including a tunnel beneath Fourth Street and an underpass at Orange Avenue, as part of the overall SR 75/282 Transportation Corridor Project (TCP). In order to calculate dollar amounts, the study had to assume a project start and end date, as well as potential toll ranges and scenarios that are only hypothetical. In addition, any toll would be considered only one part of a larger funding strategy that would include federal, state, regional and local contributions. Key findings from the study include: A new toll of $1.50 both ways could raise as much as $140 million between 2014 and 2018, which is assumed to be the construction period of the project. New electronic technology for tolling exists which can substantially reduce the cost of collecting a toll, thereby providing more money for a project. Tolling revenue could provide a significant portion of the cost of an infrastructure project. Toll amounts considered in the study ranged between $1.50 and $5.00 each way. The Coronado City Council is scheduled to select a locally preferred alternative as part of the SR 75/282 TCP in the middle of 2010. At that time, the Council will consider what type of funding strategies are practical and possible. Plans are underway to conduct a public workshop to gather feedback from Coronado residents and businesses on the tolling study and other funding strategies. The date and time of the workshop will be announced as soon as it is determined.

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City Balances Budget in Tough Economy

The City of Coronado is on target to adopt a balanced budget for fiscal years 2009/10 and 2010/11 in June. This budget allows the City to continue to provide key services to Coronado residents during the next two years. “The City is preparing for anticipated economic restrictions by providing safeguards against revenue shortfalls in the budget,” said Leslie Suelter, Director of Administrative Services for the City of Coronado. “The fiscal prudence exercised in past budgets will help the City weather this economic storm in the short term. But there is a real possibility that the City will be in an operating deficit within the next three years as the City’s growth in operating costs will outpace revenue growth.” The City is experiencing declining revenue from once-dependable sources. Property taxes are projected to grow in the next year by 1.5 percent, which is positive relative to many other communities, but down from the 7 percent to 10 percent growth rates of the past several years. The City’s more elastic revenue sources are its income from transient occupancy taxes (TOT), sales taxes and investment earnings, all of which have declined dramatically in the current economy. With respect to TOT, the tax collected from hotel guests for their stay, the City’s early estimates were that revenue would decline approximately 15 to 20 percent, with a recovery in TOT revenue expected sometime in 2010. Since January, the actual declines in TOT have been over 30%, declines not seen since after the 9/11 disaster. Precautionary measures for the coming budget year include freezing cost growth in programs and services and delaying non-essential capital projects. “Staff is carefully reviewing pending capital improvement projects to determine whether now is the right time to proceed,” said Coronado City Manager Mark Ochenduszko. “As always, maintaining a high level of service for the community is a priority.” Subsequent actions may become necessary if the City’s revenues do not meet expected levels or in the likely event of the State taking local government revenues or shifting additional costs to cities. “If further cuts do become necessary,” Ochenduszko said, “they will be done strategically so that there will be no obvious impacts to service levels and without deferring maintenance.”

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WHAT'S NEW ON THE STREET

Temporary Roundabout

The roundabout was installed on a trial basis at the intersection of Pomona Avenue, Seventh Street and Adella Avenue. This spring, the City installed a temporary roundabout at the intersection of Pomona Avenue, Seventh Street and Adella Avenue. The roundabout was the result of a public workshop that was held to discuss possible improvements to traffic and pedestrian circulation and traffic-calming in the area. At this workshop several concepts were discussed and the consensus was a roundabout was the best concept to move forward. Based on this input, the City Council directed that the roundabout be further studied, and approved the installation of the mock roundabout, constructed with temporary materials. The trial period, which started in early March, is slated to last six months. During this time, data will be gathered to determine the effectiveness of the roundabout to reduce vehicle speeds, improve way-finding through this complex intersection and promote pedestrian safety. As part of the evaluation, the City is encouraging comments from the public and has created an online survey to gather feedback. Residents can find the survey under the News Center section of the City’s website at www.coronado.ca.us.

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What’s Green on the Scene?

“Going green” is a hot topic in cities across the country, and Coronado is doing its part. Below are just a few of the programs and projects the City has implemented over the years. Automated Recycling Program The City of Coronado partnered with EDCO last year to enhance its recycling program by implementing the automated collection of recyclable materials. The program has increased recycling in the City by 15 percent. The program’s success has prompted the City Council to review an automated trash collection program as well. LEED Targeted Animal Control Facility City officials break ground on new Animal Care Facility in April. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Animal Care Facility was held in April. The facility is being designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification. This is a voluntary rating program with a goal of evaluating environmental performance from a broad perspective over a building’s life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a “green building.” Community Center Cogeneration Unit The cogeneration unit provides electricity while heating the Community Center pool. When the City designed the Community Center as part of the Glorietta Bay Master Plan, it made sure to include plans for a piece of cutting-edge, energy-saving technology called a cogeneration unit. Cogeneration is the simultaneous production of both electricity and heat energy. The unit produces electricity to power the Community Center at the same time as it heats the pool. Alternative Vehicles The battery-operated golf cart and CNG parking enforcement vehicle are more energy-efficient than traditional vehicles. Coronado was one of the first municipalities in the County to begin using compressed natural gas, battery-powered electric and hybrid vehicles for official business, beginning in the early 1990s. There are now 18 alternative vehicles in the City used by the Recreation, Police, Public Services and Engineering Departments. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles Compressed natural gas is a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline, diesel or propane fuel. Below is a brief summary of some of the compressed natural gas vehicles the City uses. One police vehicle operated by senior volunteers Five Dodge vans for Recreation Department and Public Services use One trash collection truck Two compact transit buses for Recreation Department use One inspection pick-up used by the Engineering Department Battery Electric Vehicles Battery electric vehicles are 100 percent emission-free and are more fuel efficient. City officials currently utilize two Think cars for conducting business in the community. Hybrid Vehicles A hybrid car has two engines. The first is an electric motor and the second is the standard gasoline engine. When cars are running at a constant speed or at a standstill with the engine running, the gasoline engine shuts off and the electricity turns on. This helps prevent air pollution. The City maintains two hybrid vehicles for official business in the community. For more information on the City’s green efforts, contact 619.522.7380.

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Conservation is Key to Maintaining Water Supply Water conservation is becoming more important every day as the County faces looming water shortages. Communities across San Diego, including Coronado, are being encouraged to do their part to help conserve. “The City has been implementing water conservation measures in public projects since the 1990s,” said Director of Public Services Scott Huth. The City has taken action in many departments to conserve water. Below is a short list of examples: Ornamental turf used only for direct recreational purposes and to reduce water runoff from adjacent hardscape. “CalSense” irrigation controllers used in all public parks and facilities. This fully automated system measures evapo-transpiration, an indicator of the need to irrigate. The system automatically corrects during cool, cloudy or rainy days, and irrigates at night to reduce evaporation. Low-flush toilets and flow restrictors on showers in new buildings. Managed cleaning program in the commercial/business district that uses a power washing company to clean sidewalks, providing the City with greater control over the amount of water used. In an effort to maintain adequate resources and prevent storage levels from depleting, Coronado City officials have also initiated a Level 1 Drought Watch, which asks residents and businesses to voluntarily cut their water usage by 10 percent. The San Diego County Water Authority’s Web site (http://www.20gallonchallenge.com/residenttips.html) has many suggestions for how residents can conserve water on a daily basis. The household tips in the chart below will help reduce water usage and ensure that Coronado residents continue to have a reliable water supply. TIP ESTIMATED SAVINGS Run the dishwasher only when full 2 – 4.5 gallons per load Shorten showers 2.5 gallons per minute Wash only full loads of clothes 15 – 50 gallons per load Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks 8 – 18 gallons per minute

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Beach Safety Understanding the ocean is very important. The more swimmers and beachgoers know the about how waves, wind and tides affect conditions in the water, the better able they are to keep safe and spot someone else who may be in danger. Below are some tips that will help Coronado residents and guests stay safe and enjoy the beach this summer. F ind the flags that are located on the Lifeguard Tower. Flags are used to categorize ocean conditions. The red flag indicates hazardous ocean conditions and swimming is not recommended. A yellow flag indicates moderate conditions and caution should be taken while in the water. L ook at the safety signs. They help swimmers identify potential dangers and daily conditions at the beach. A sk a lifeguard for advice. Surf conditions can change quickly, so talk to a lifeguard before entering the water. G et a friend before taking a dip. Swimmers should stay in pairs so they can look out for each other’s safety and get help if needed. Children should always be supervised by an adult. S tick a hand up for help. If a swimmer gets into trouble in the water, they are advised to stay calm and raise an arm to signal for help. Float with a current or rip - don’t try to swim against it. And remember: Never swim at unpatrolled beaches Never swim at night Never swim under the influence of alcohol Never run and dive into the water Never allow children to swim unsupervised Remember the FLAGS and stay safe this summer The Surf Environment – What is a Rip? Swimmers should always be on the lookout for rips. A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water that then returns to the sea, causing a drag effect. Rips are dangerous because they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water. Identifying a Rip The following features will alert you to the presence of a rip: darker color, indicating deeper water murky brown water caused by sand stirred up off the bottom smoother surface with much smaller waves, alongside white water (broken waves) waves breaking farther out to sea on both sides of the rip debris floating out to sea a rippled look, when the water around is generally calm Always identify the flags and, if you are unsure of the beach conditions, always check with the lifeguards on duty. For more information about beach safety, visit the United States Lifesaving Association’s website at www.usla.org

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Coronado Receives Mobility Equipment for Disabled Beachgoers

Lifeguard Captain Sean Carey (left), Accessible San Diego volunteer Joe Garrett and his dog Jake. As part of a partnership with Accessible San Diego, the City of Coronado has received two power beach chairs and two manual beach chairs, which will provide disabled and senior beachgoers the mobility and independence to enjoy the beach. With the additional manual beach chairs, the City will have a total of four manual and two power beach chairs to serve the public. The beach chairs, available to check out at the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower, may be used at no charge for one hour. If there is no wait, the public may be able to extend their usage. Lifeguards will provide a short safety and usage training for all chair users. Patrons will need a photo ID to check out the chairs. For those under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany the user. Accessible San Diego and the City of Coronado are able to provide these beach chairs to the public thanks to a grant from the State Coastal Conservancy.

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A Few Reminders from the Coronado Fire Department

Does Your Emergency Preparedness Kit Contain Recalled or Expired Items?

The recent peanut recall caused many Americans to dig through their cabinets and refrigerators to remove potentially contaminated food associated with the recall. The Fire Department would like to take this time to remind residents to check the contents of their Emergency Preparedness Kits and remove any potentially harmful items. Please keep in mind that the peanut product recall extends beyond peanutflavored products. The following are some examples of foods also included in the recall that may contain peanuts: Granola Crackers Trail Mix Noodles Snack Bars Cereal Cookies Dog Treats A full list of recalled peanut products and what individuals should do with recalled items can be found on the Food and Drug Administration’s Web site, http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm. In addition to checking for peanut-related items, please be sure to check for other items in the kit that may have expired, including medications, food (including pet food), water and other recalled items. The U.S. government provides information on unsafe, hazardous or defective products ranging from consumer products, food, medicine and cosmetics at www.recalls.gov. Ensuring family and neighbors are prepared is an essential step in helping communities during and after an emergency. Families should have an Emergency Preparedness Kit in all locations that are frequented often, including homes, offices, schools, cars and day care facilities. These kits should hold a variety of essential items that are needed during a disaster, such as a flashlight, radio, cash, clothing, protective equipment, medicines and food and water. For a complete list of Emergency Preparedness Kit recommended items, please contact the City of Coronado Fire Department at 619.522.7374. CERT COURSES (Coronado Emergency Response Team) Spring 2009 To register for these free classes, or for more information, please contact the Coronado Fire Department at 619.522.7374. All modules run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Module Class Title Description 1. May 21 Disaster Preparedness An introduction to the CERT program 2. May 28 Disaster Fire Suppression Fire safety and extinguisher use 3. June 4 Disaster Medical Operations First aid, establishing treatment areas, treating airway obstruction, bleeding and shock 4. June 11 Light Search & Rescue Planning, techniques and rescuer safety 5. June 18 Terrorism, Disaster Psychology, Team Organization Symptoms experienced by victims & rescuers. CPR Schedule: All classes run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 16, June 25, July 25, August 15.

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Doing Business is a Snap in Coronado

Orange Avenue is home to many local businesses. Coronado is well known for its retail establishments, hotels and restaurants. But the local business community is far more diverse. Industries ranging from veterinary medicine to day spas to pharmacies round out the City’s unique village. All of these enterprises - including individuals who work from home - are required to obtain a business license. Coronado has nearly 2,000 active businesses. The number of businesses in the community remains fairly steady each year. Business are licensed based on the calendar year. The cost is prorated by the quarter for those businesses that apply for a license after the beginning of the year. The City offers two different types of business licenses: contractor and general. The maximum tax for contractors is $58 annually. For other general types of businesses, the tax is levied on a sliding scale from $25 to $87, based on gross annual receipts. Business owners must renew their licenses on a yearly basis. Owners will typically receive renewal notices around mid-November. Those who fail to renew their licenses by January 1 are granted a one-month grace period before penalties are applied. To obtain a business license, applicants can visit City Hall or the City’s website at www.coronado.ca.us. The original, signed application should be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by mail or in person. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 619.522.7320.

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