Council hears urgent concerns about riverfront bank erosion; staff to remove hazardous tree and scope stabilization costs
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Summary
Council directed staff to prioritize removal of an unstable riverbank tree and to get cost estimates for broader bank stabilization after councilmembers and residents described sloughing, dock damage and erosion along the Missouri River.
City staff told the Washington City Council that an unstable tree and sections of sloughing riverbank at Riverfront Park require immediate attention and that a private contractor, Craig’s Tree Service, will remove a hazardous tree the following morning using a crane.
The issue came during department reports and administrative updates when staff described recent tornado and rain events and said Wayne’s crew and other staff had inspected damage along the riverbank. Staff said volunteers and prior rock placement by the boat club had provided some short‑term mitigation but that a more comprehensive bank‑stabilization plan is needed.
Why it matters: The riverfront is a public asset with trails, docks and parking; further erosion can damage city infrastructure, private docks and public access. Council members said failing banks and falling trees present safety risks and could require more costly interventions if left until after a flood event.
Immediate action and next steps Staff scheduled a contractor to remove one tree judged unstable and struck by lightning; staff asked the council to authorize further study and to obtain cost estimates for a short‑term stabilization project. Council asked staff to contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether emergency action could proceed without full federal permitting and to clarify what the corps would consider an emergency.
Donated rock and technical constraints Council and staff discussed a donation of “shot rock” from a local developer; staff said the rock was free but that rock size varies and that improperly placed small rock could wash away. Members emphasized that proper bank stabilization requires large‑grade rock (riprap) placed strategically and that ad‑hoc dumping can make problems worse. Staff said the city needs a scope and cost estimate and the right rock sizing for a durable repair; they will provide options for council review.
Longer‑term planning Council members said the city should develop a comprehensive riverfront stabilization plan as part of broader riverfront improvements in the park master plan and capital improvement sales tax planning. Staff said they will prepare estimates, coordinate with dock owners, and pursue Corps guidance on emergency work. Council asked staff to prioritize immediate hazards (the unstable tree) and to return with a range of options and cost estimates.
Ending Council members and staff agreed to proceed with the hazardous‑tree removal immediately and to return to the council with cost estimates and Corps guidance on emergency permitting and longer‑term bank stabilization strategies.
