Port Washington approves engineering design for retaining wall at Mineral Springs box culvert after homeowner raises collapse concerns

The Port Washington Board of Public Works voted to hire a local engineering firm to design repairs to a failing retaining wall and wing wall at the Mineral Springs Creek box culvert under Division Street.

Homeowner Hannah Perringer, who lives at 302 South Division Street, told the board the retaining wall that connects to the culvert has been failing and that sinkholes have formed in the yard since the culvert and creek work began: “It is connected to the bridge that crosses Division Street … it’s all kind of interconnected. So with the integrity of the structure as a whole possibly collapsing, us as the property owners … are concerned.”

City staff said erosion beneath the sidewalk and the southeast corner of the culvert has progressed to the point that the sidewalk is undermined and the right-of-way (50-foot) leaves the city little room to stage work behind the sidewalk. Staff presented two engineering proposals and recommended the lower-cost local firm, Ari Smith, for design that would extend the wing wall, drive sheet piling and include riprap under the culvert where needed. Staff said the engineer would file any required Chapter 30 permits with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Alderman Patrick Tierney moved to award the engineering work with the requested DOT corrections incorporated before the matter goes to Common Council; the motion was seconded by Mr. Haley and carried. A board member who identified themselves as an employee of RA Smith recused themself from that vote and abstained.

Staff told the board the design work will be funded through the finance director’s 2026 budget but that, because the amount is nominal, staff may be able to get an early start before January. Staff also advised homeowner Perringer that Ozaukee County Parks & Planning Director Andrew Strzok may be a resource for grants, though staff cautioned many available grants fund removal and naturalization rather than construction of retaining walls.

The board directed staff to proceed with the engineering agreement so design can start promptly and cones do not remain indefinitely on the sidewalk while the city pursues the design and permitting steps.

The board’s action authorized city staff to proceed with engineering design; it did not authorize construction. Any construction, costs, or funding sources will be determined after design and permitting are complete.