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Council hears plan and cost estimate to repair riverfront erosion; staff seeks direction on budget amendment
Summary
Street and engineering staff outlined permit status, timing constraints and an approximately $200,000 estimate to repair three eroded locations on the riverfront; staff asked the council whether to pursue a budget amendment from the stormwater fund and proceed when river levels permit.
City staff told the council May 5 that three riverfront bank failures require repair work to protect a roadway and parking area adjacent to the riverfront trail and that the city holds a permit allowing work when river levels are low. Staff estimated about $200,000 in rental equipment, rock and materials if the street department performs the work: roughly $84,000 for Location 1, $40,000 for Location 2, and $76,000 for Location 3.
Why it matters: Unrepaired sloughing threatens adjacent roadway, trail and private dock areas. Staff emphasized the city’s objective is to stabilize public infrastructure (roadway and trail) and not to restore privately owned docks or private assets.
Engineering and street staff said they already hold a permit for the work and that repairs must be scheduled when river stage is low to avoid impacts on an endangered fish species referenced in the permit. Staff proposed using shot rock (large riprap) and rental long‑arm excavators to place material; work at each location would take roughly one week if conditions allow. Staff said the permit with the Corps is valid through March 2026, providing winter windows to perform the work.
Options discussed included performing repairs in-house using street department crews (lower overall cost estimate) or contracting the work; staff cautioned that fixes should be done well to avoid repeat failures. Council discussed potential funding options and the need for a budget amendment from the stormwater fund if the council wished to proceed before the next fiscal cycle. Staff said they would monitor river stages and bring a budget amendment ordinance if action is needed in the current budget year.
Ending: Council asked staff to track river stages and return with a formal budget amendment and project plan if an in-season repair opportunity arises; Parks staff also noted potential follow-up planting to help long-term slope stabilization.
