Item 2D: Adoption of Resolution Supporting Retaining Wall on the West-Facing Fill Slope

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Adoption of Resolution 4987 Supporting and Encouraging ODOT to Construct a Retaining Wall on the West-Facing Fill Slope between the Willamette River and Alton Baker Park Canoe Canal for the Protection of Trees Meeting Date: October 12, 2009 Agenda Item Number: 2D Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Chris Henry www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: (541) 682-8472 ISSUE STATEMENT The Eugene City Council has requested a resolution to preserve trees on the west-facing fill slope along Interstate 5 (I-5) associated with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Willamette River Bridge project. BACKGROUND During a work session to update the council about the bridge project, the council requested that staff return with a resolution supporting the preservation of trees adjacent to Alton Baker Park. The attached resolution supports and encourages ODOT to secure funding to design and construct a retaining wall to allow for the preservation of trees. The Citizens Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park has expressed interest in preserving the natural character of the park, natural habitat and vegetated buffer from the highway. The trees in question are adjacent to the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park between the Canoe Canal and the Willamette River. Construction of a retaining wall at the top of the west-facing fill slope will allow several mature trees on the lower slope to remain. Eugene Parks and Open Space is interested in taking responsibility for vegetation maintenance along the west slope of I-5 between the Canoe Canal and Willamette River in a manner consistent with the maintenance regime of similar areas in the Whilamut Natural Area. Such maintenance helps protect the park areas from invasive species and provides continuity of care in the natural area. Eugene Parks and Open Space will work with ODOT to negotiate the details of a vegetation maintenance agreement. RELATED CITY POLICIES East Alton Baker Park Plan. This plan was adopted by the Eugene City Council in 1996 following the formation of the Citizens Planning Committee (now called the Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park). Natural resource goals and implementation strategies call to identify, maintain, restore, create and protect natural habitats and woodlands while establishing the area as a natural resource corridor along the Willamette River Greenway. Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M091012\S0910122D.doc