CITY OF OAKLAND
Council Agenda Report
TO: Office of the City Manager
ATTN: Robert C. Bobb
FROM: Public Works Agency
DATE: October 31, 2000
RE: REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ON THE MAINENANCE AND COST OF REPAIR OF CITY OWNED STAIRWAYS.
SUMMARY
This is an informational report on the condition of stairs and pathways in the City of Oakland. There are approximately 75 stairs and pathways in the city. For purposes of this report, the pathways at Merriewood and Westview are used of for comparison. (See Attached)
FISCAL IMPACTS
The cost to repair and/or replace a pathway is dependent upon several factors:
• The condition of the existing pathway
• the length of the pathway
• the type of replacement material (e.g. wood, concrete, asphalt, etc.)
For example, the estimated cost of a wooden stairway at the Merriewood location is $237,000; whereas the cost of a concrete stairway at the same location is estimated at $875,000.
BACKGROUND
Currently, there are about 75 public stairs and pathways in the City of Oakland. The pathways have been in existence for at least 50 years and are in a state of decline.
In the 1960's, pathways were cleaned twice a year by a three (3) person crew. In the process of cleaning, the crews would sweep, prune, cut and provide minor repair when necessary.
The service level that we are currently providing is on a request basis only.
KEY ISSUES AND IMPACTS
There are several issues and impacts;
• the safety of existing pathways/stairways (e.g. attracts litter and illegal activities)
• determine whether to repair, replace or abandon the pathway
• determining the ADA compliability of the pathway (e.g. cost involved for ADA compliance)
• the cost of repairing and maintaining
• staff constraints (e.g. a two or three person crew plus equipment estimated at $275,000 for regular maintenance and cleaning)
DISABILITY AND SENIOR CITIZEN ACCESS
Repair and/or replacement of existing pathways would require ADA compliance (Title 24).
ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Repair and/or replacement of pathways would enhance air quality from usage of fewer automotive vehicles. Abandonment and disposition of pathways would serve as a deterrent to grime and crime.
RECOMMENDATION AND RATIONALE
After careful evaluation of each of the 75 pathways in the City of Oakland, staff will recommend for council review, as to which pathways should be repaired, replaced, abandoned or closed. These recommendations can be considered as part of the upcoming biennial budget.
ACTION REQUESTED OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Staff requests acceptance of the report.
Respectfully submitted,
CLAUDETTE R. FORD
Director, Public Works Agency
Prepared by:
Berry A. Weiland, Jr.
Assistant Director, Public Works Agency
Maintenance Services Department
Attachments
APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTE