Background:
| Approximate start time for Falcon Heights: Spring 2004. |
| Approximate time of installation of gabions: Fall 2004 |
| The adjacent neighbors to the gabions: |
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Arlen Gregorio and Alyn Stone, 474 Williamson Way, Ashland |
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Bill and June Holmes, 357 Starflower Lane, Ashland |
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The Mountain Creek Homeowner's Association as represented by Gwen McMahon, Association President, 421 North Mountain. |
| Consultant: |
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Bill Galli, of the Galli Group, initially retained by Gregario/Stone |
| Developer: |
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Russ Dale, developer of Falcon Heights Subdivision. |
Neighborhood concerns include the appearance of the gabion lined channel (see attached photo) the stability of the gabions, and the ability of the channel, as constructed, to accommodate design flows and the safety of persons walking along or across the channel.
Bill Galli is a licensed Civil Engineer in Oregon. He has identified a relatively low-cost solution to the concerns expressed by the neighbors. The City Engineer has reviewed Mr. Galli's preliminary design and agrees that the suggested alternative provides adequate flow capacity for the creek. This channel can be maintained by Public Works with normal maintenance equipment.
The proposed solution involves replacing 55 feet of the gabion section with a 48" diameter pipe. The pipe would be covered with native earth material to provide a swale shape above the pipe. In case of overflow of the pipe, the water would flow across the swale and enter the pipe under Williamson Way. The neighbors adjacent to the pipe would landscape the swale area and maintain the grounds above the pipe. The City would be responsible for maintenance of the pipe and remaining channel.
The developer of Falcon Heights, Russ Dale, has agreed to cover the estimated cost of $15,000 for the suggested improvement. He has agreed to provide this amount to the City prior to construction of the improvement. The City is to transfer this amount to Gregorio/Stone upon satisfactory completion of the construction. Gregorio/Stone will be responsible for hiring an engineer and a contractor to perform the work. The $15,000 will be used to pay the engineer and contractor. If additional funds are required Gregorio/Stone will pay them. Gregorio/Stone will be responsible for providing engineering plans suitable for obtaining City approval and a contractor to make the desired improvements. They will also be responsible for seeing to the completion of the improvements and restoration of the landscaping.
As part of the proposed agreement, the affected neighbors; Gregorio/Stone, William/June Holmes, and Gwen McMahon, as the president of the Mt. Creek Homeowners Association, will release Russ Dale from further obligation relative to stream improvements below Falcon Heights.
The proposed agreement contemplates the City holding the $15,000 until construction work has been completed to the satisfaction of the City and the affected neighborhood. The City would also agree to process planning actions as required for approval to make the desired improvements and to be responsible for maintenance of the improvements upon completion and acceptance.
Russ Dale and affected neighbors contend that a timely resolution of this matter is in everyone's best interest. Public Works agrees. The neighbors want to be assured that this solution is implemented so that they are able to hire contractors and perform the work this spring and summer in order to restore the condition of their properties as soon as possible. The developer wants to meet the needs of the City and neighbors so that the development of Falcon Heights may continue. Public Works would like to have the matter resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned so that valuable staff resources can be directed to numerous other City needs.
One of the City's policies is to refrain from placing culvert pipes in streams other than under streets. The Planning Commission has the ability to approve such installations on a case-by-case basis. In this case, Public Works will endorse an application to the Planning Commission to allow the installation of the culvert to improve the appearance and safety of this reach of stream. The stream is highly visible to the neighborhood and the current gabion-lined banks present a hazard to persons who may try to cross from one property to the other via the lawn areas on either side of the stream. The neighborhood concerns about the stability of the gabions and flow capacity of the stream will also be alleviated by this solution.
By endorsing this solution, the City Engineer is not intending to imply that the original design or construction is deficient. It is obvious that a difference of opinion exists between the engineer for the Falcon Heights development, Scott Pingle, and the engineer hired by Gregorio/Stone, Bill Galli. The Public Works Department's recommendation in this matter does not intend to imply that one is more correct than the other. | 
