Ellery Deaton sets March meet-up date

The following information was released by Seal Beach Councilwoman Ellery Deaton, representing Old Town and Surfside.

Today, Wednesday the 22nd will mark my being in office for one year. Together we have worked hard to improve our quality of life. In this year’s time many have made suggestions that have been implemented: doggie bags on the Electric Avenue Greenbelt, cleaning up the pier, a graffiti removal program (Thank you Lions!), more Police presence in Old Town and a lot more. Some suggestions however are still in process. While we have made some improvements in parking availability on the east side of Old Town, we are continuing to find ways to help residents have adequate parking. We are also still working on getting all aircraft to fly past the pier and then over the Navy Base rather than over our homes as they approach Long Beach Airport. We are working towards changing OCTA’s bus route off of Electric Avenue, a residential street and are still working on getting new trees and lights for Main Street to beautify the “soul of Seal Beach.” And of course, the property at 1st and Ocean (DWP) is still working its way through the public process. That and a lot more has been done or is in process of getting done since I was sworn into office on February 22, 2011.

This past year we have stayed within budget and Monday night, the 27th, I anticipate we will actually have a surplus when we review how the expenses and revenues have lined up this year. Operating within our budget has been done through the cooperative effort of a fiscally responsible Council, a competent and fiscally prudent City Manager, and residents who are willing to be a part of the budget process by submitting budget requests at budget time for the improvements they would like to see and participating in the public discussions. Please join us at the City Council Meeting on February 27th to see how the City has fared at the half-way point in the fiscal year. Your input is always solicited and appreciated.

Here are a few things you might find interesting:

Main Street Beautification

At the next Council Meeting, February 27th, the contract to finish the trees on Main Street will be before the Council.

Then on February 29th at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers we will have a public meeting to discuss new lighting for Main Street. The project has now been awarded to Fehr and Peers. This meeting is for all who are interested.

Improvements are always difficult during the time of construction, but worth it when it is all done. Everything possible will be done to keep residential and business disruption to a minimum.

Old Town Alleys

The alleys of Old Town continue to be redone along with the utilities. Main Street to 14th is almost complete. Main to 1st Street are next on the list to be done.

1st Street Complex

You’ve undoubtedly noticed the changes occurring at the River’s End. Construction began on Mon. Nov.14th. The contractor is pouring curb & gutter along the driveway and throughout the parking lot this month. Removal of existing grass, planter and organic materials has been completed. The contractor is installing conduit for electrical, lighting and irrigation and remodeling the restrooms.

Meet Me at Bogart’s in March

Sean Crumby, our Public Works Director and Assistant City Manager will join me at Bogart’s to have coffee with you from 9am to 10:30am. If you have any questions about infrastructure, repairs or new ideas, come have coffee with us. When it gets closer I’ll have the date confirmed and send out a reminder notice. I am always glad to meet and talk with you about what’s happening in Old Town, Surfside and all of Seal Beach.