HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2D: Adoption of Resolution Supporting Retaining Wall on the West-Facing Fill Slope
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
Restoration and Management Plan for the Landfill Cover and the Adjacent Riparian Area, Whilamut
Natural Area. This restoration and management plan (an internal Eugene Parks and Open Space
document) details strategies for carrying out the natural resource goal of the East Alton Baker Park Plan.
Eugene City Council Vision and Values. The council vision calls to preserve natural resources and
sustain parks and open spaces. Values of sustainable development are supported in a fiscally responsible
way by reducing the amount of restoration management necessary on City land if ODOT land is not
otherwise managed to control weeds and invasive species.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
1. Adopt the resolution.
2. Amend and adopt the resolution.
3. Decline to adopt the resolution.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends adoption of the proposed resolution.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to adopt Resolution 4987 supporting and encouraging ODOT to construct a retaining wall on the
west-facing fill slope between the Willamette River and the Alton Baker Park canoe canal for the
protection of trees.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Proposed Resolution
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Chris Henry, Transportation Planning Engineer
Telephone: (541) 682-8472
Staff E-Mail: chris.c.henry@ci.eugene.or.us
Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M091012\S0910122D.doc
ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. _____
A RESOLUTION 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.
The City Council of the City of Eugene finds that:
A.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is engaged in the replacement
of the Interstate 5 bridges over the Willamette River due to structural deficiencies in the existing
bridges.
B.
The west-facing fill slope for the existing interstate roadway and project right-of-
way is adjacent to the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park.
C.
The fill slope between the Willamette River and Alton Baker Park Canoe Canal is
home to several mature trees. The trees on the fill slope provide an important natural visual and
sound buffer between the interstate and parkland including two heavily used paths in the
Whilamut Natural Area. The existing trees and vegetation also serve as a wildlife corridor
between the Willamette River and Canoe Canal.
D.
The bridge replacement project plans call for expanding the fill slope within
ODOT right-of-way to accommodate a new roadway alignment. Expansion of the west-facing
fill slope would necessitate removal of several mature trees and other vegetation. If all of the
trees on the fill slope were removed, reestablishment of a similar natural buffer from the roadway
could take decades.
E.
A retaining wall at the top of the west-facing fill slope would allow for roadway
realignment and widening while allowing many of the naturally buffering trees on the lower
slope to remain.
F.
ODOT is aware of the existing natural buffer between the roadway and parkland
and is seeking project funding to design and build a retaining wall to protect the trees.
G.
Willamalane Park and Recreation District has requested removal of a retaining
wall on the east-facing fill slope. Cost savings from removal of the east-facing retaining wall
could be transferred to meet similar project budget needs for a west-facing retaining wall.
H.
ODOT continues to be responsive to community and agency interests to preserve
and enhance the natural environment surrounding the Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge
project, named Whilamut Passage. Plans also include safety improvements to the path system
and artistic enhancements.
Resolution - Page 1 of 2
I.
ODOT has actively engaged the Citizens Planning Committee for the Whilamut
Natural Area of Alton Baker Park and the City of Eugene to develop plans respectful of park
goals and enhance the natural area.
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EUGENE, a Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows:
Section 1.
The City Council supports and encourages ODOT to secure funding to
design and construct a retaining wall at the top of the west-facing fill slope to protect the mature
trees on the lower fill slope.
Section 2.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution adopted the ____ day of ______________, 2009.
____________________________________
AIC City Recorder
Resolution - Page 2 of 2