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Copyright 2017 Robert Peccia & Associates, Kalispell, Montana SOMERS AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Whitefish, Montana Project Update The City of Whitefish is planning to reconstruct 6 blocks of Somers Avenue, from East 2nd Street to East 8th Street in the spring and summer months of 2018. The design team has recently completed the roadway design, recommendations for tree removals, sump pump collection system design. Tree Inventory The Design Team recently completed a detailed tree inventory of the Somers Avenue boulevard trees. The inventory re- sulted in the recommended removal of approximately 40 mature green ash trees. The City of Whitefish is trying to take a proactive approach on removing the trees that have been identified as hazardous, are at the end of their life span, or are showing signs of Emerald Ash Borer infestations. The ash borer (Podesesia syringae) damages the stems, thereby de- grading lumber quality. The beetle lays eggs between bark layers and crevices. After about one week, larvae hatch and begin to feed on an infected tree’s inner bark and phloem. The larvae change to prepupa and overwinter in the tree. The following spring, after pupation, adults emerge from holes they made in the tree. Signs and include: branch dieback, branching on the tree trunk and vertical bark splits. Sump Pump Collection System During the first public meeting in June, several residents asked if drainage infrastructure would be provided for individual sump pump connections. Since that meeting, a sump pump collection system has been designed providing services to each property. Residents are reminded that it is illegal to discharge sump water to a City sanitary sewer system. With this new system, residents will now be able to connect and discharge to the roadway storm drainage system with minimal effort. Project Schedule Design 2017 - Finalize Design Details January 2018 - Receive Project/Design Approvals February 2018 - Finish Construction Documents February/March 2018 - Let project for Bids April 2018 - Select Contractor, Award Contract & Public Meeting #3 (What to Expect During Construction) May 2018 - Start Construction August 2018 - Finish Construction (plan is to finish prior to the start of school) A public meeting will be held on Thursday, November 30th, 2017 @ 6:30 at the Whitefish City Hall Council Cham- bers to further discuss these above items, review construction drawings and the tree inventory results. Prepared by: Robert Peccia & Associates Kalispell, Montana ---PAGE BREAK--- Ryan Mitchell, PE, PLS Kalispell Operations Manager ryan@rpa‐kal.com (406) 212‐3692 (cell) Robert Peccia & Associates P.O. Box 5100, 102 Cooperative Way, Suite 300, Kalispell, Montana 59903 (406) 752‐5025 (office), FAX (406) 752‐5024 Karin Hilding, PE, City of Whitefish P.O. Box 158 418 East Second Street Whitefish, Montana 59937 (406) 863‐2450 (office) 406) 863‐2419 (fax) [EMAIL REDACTED] For More Information On The Project Contact: Brandon Theis, PE Project Manager brandon@rpa‐kal.com (406) 212‐4915 (cell) Public Meeting No. 2 Meeting Date: Thursday, November 30, 2017 Meeting Location: Whitefish City Hall Council Chambers Conference Room 418 E 2nd Street Meeting Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Public Meeting: The City of Whitefish will host a public meeting to present the roadway design ele- ments, details and project schedule to solicit comments for the Somers Avenue Reconstruction Pro- ject. Residents and others interested in the project are encouraged to attend and provide comments to the City and the design consultants. A presentation will begin shortly after 6:30 p.m that will focus on the roadway plans, anticipated tree removals, recently added sump pump collection system and updated project schedule. Following the presentation, there will be an informal question and answer session. There will be an opportunity to review and discuss the project displays with the City and the design consultants.