Monrovia City Council Approves Purchase of K-Rail for Madison Burn Areas

The city of Monrovia is taking steps to offer some protection to residents who live below the Madison Fire burn areas.

The City Council Tuesday night voted 5-0 to approve the purchase and installation of K-rail concrete barriers at a cost of around $209,000 with the caveat that staff meet with residents in advance of moving ahead with the plan.

Interim City Manager Francis Delach said at the start of the discussion that the notification list for residents affected by the K-rail installation was not accurate and said that staff planned to do more outreach and meet again with homeowners.

Some residents spoke, a couple of them saying they had concerns about the placement of the K-rail diverting water on to their driveways and causing flooding at their homes.

Delach said city staff would meet with residents likely in the next week to discuss the project and get feedback about concerns.

He said the city did not make a decision to go forward with K-rail lightly.

"This is only an action to try to mitigate a disaster," he said.  "It's something we've struggled with and agonized over."

Councilman Tom Adams asked staff to provide residents with information on plastic, removable K-rail barriers they can put in front of their driveways.

Mayor Mary Ann Lutz asked that staff bring back information about what was discussed at upcoming meetings with residents. Lutz also asked if staff had sought grants to help pay for the costs.  Staff responded that the project did not qualify for federal money.

The city can sell the K-rail once it is done with it, officials said.

The placement of the barriers stems from the Madison Fire, which burned 84 acres in the hills above the northwest portion of Monrovia on April 20.

The barriers will be used to mitigate the flow of debris and mud during rainfall.

K-rail barriers are often used near freeway construction areas. Other communities, including La Canada Flintridge and the unincorporated area of La Crescenta, have used the barriers to lessen the extent of damages brought on by the first rains by redirecting mud and debris flow away from homes.

Portions of the K-rail are slated to be placed along stretches of the following streets:

Avocado Place (both sides)
Highland Place (North of Scenic) (east side)
Crescent Drive (south side of street)
Hillcrest Boulevard (south side)
Highland Place (both sides)
Heather Heights Court (both sides)
Lotone Street (south side)