By Jorge Casuso
Lookout Staff

November 9, 2011 -- The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday night approved funds to address rehab problems at City TV's future home, make sure traffic signals don't go on the blink and improve signage on the freeway.

The items, which total some $460,000 in expenses, were approved on consent.

Rehab work at the municipal TV channel's new home at 1654 19th Street will now top the $2 million mark after a slew of "unknown existing conditions" were discovered in the building purchased by the City in April 2010.

The conditions include problems installing and relocating utilities and removal of "excessive amounts" of concrete to install the new underground utilities. Contractors also encountered difficulties installing a new HVAC system in the 4,800-square-foot building, as well as an electrical transformer that had to be downsized.

In addition, there were termites found in the roof and the roof drains and piping were leaking and needed to be replaced.

The conditions increased the cost of design services by $24,935 to a total not to exceed $285,944 and the construction costs by $110,000 to a total not to exceed $1,742,360.

In other actions taken on consent, the council voted to purchase and install 74 traffic signal emergency battery backup systems for a total of $290,000 including a 10 percent contingency.

The backup systems, which are currently installed at 90 of the City's 180 traffic signals, will insure that the signals continue to operate after power failures, power spikes, or interruptions in service, according to City staff.

"The existing emergency battery backup systems are over eight years old and many have surpassed their useful life," City staff said.

The council also approved $136,000 to begin the design process to improve the signage along the I-10 Freeway, which was found to be deficient by City and Caltrans staff.

"This will prevent last minute weaving at ramps, improve lane assignments, and reduce congestion through efficient lane use," City staff said.

Caltrans, which advised the City it would not be able to provide funding, will oversee the design and will approve all construction documents and permits.

This project includes the installation of Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) signs along the freeway that display the City’s radio station, KRSM 1680AM, as a reference to local traffic and parking conditions.