Council authorizes bid for City Beach boat ramp extension and inspection-lane improvements

The City Council authorized staff to advertise bids for the City Beach boat ramp extension and boat inspection driveway improvements after a staff presentation at the July 21 meeting.

Maria, the Parks and Recreation Director, told the council the existing ramp has been eroded by propwash and boat trailering, undercutting the ramp base and creating safety and environmental concerns. “In order to reinforce the boat ramp and stabilize the eroded lake bed we plan to install precast concrete panels over a foundation of crushed stone riprap beneath the ramp,” Maria said. The design stabilizes about 980 square feet of submerged ramp base with an additional 400 square feet of riprap extend beyond the ramp.

The project includes resurfacing the access driveway, installing a curb, reinforcing embankments inside the Lakeshore Protection Zone and limited tree removal with replanting of disturbed areas with native vegetation. A separate flood-plain development permit and other state and federal approvals are being pursued; all permitting was scheduled to be finalized by Sept. 2. Maria said construction of the ramp extension is planned for October to coincide with low lake levels, with a proposed bid schedule that begins bid advertising Aug. 10 and opens bids Aug. 22.

Preliminary construction costs were estimated at $193,000 ($120,000 for the ramp extension; $73,000 for drive-lane improvements). Brandon Tice of Civil Solutions, the project engineer, said the concrete extension will be 24.5 feet. Maria warned the ramp will be closed to boats during the one-month construction period and staff are coordinating use accommodations with the State Park for commercial operators.

Councilor Ben moved to authorize bidding for the project; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.