Council approves slope‑stabilization contract for 303 Hillside Drive

The Woodside Town Council approved a resolution authorizing the town manager to execute an agreement with Engineered Soil Repairs Inc. for engineered slope stabilization work at 303 Hillside Drive, with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $221,898 as stated in the staff report.

Staff said the work involves demolition of an encroaching shed that sits in the right of way, removal of an existing retaining wall, and construction of a new, taller retaining wall; the taller wall in the recommended proposal would create a public parking space in the town right of way. "The project would...remove the encroaching shed on the property, which is currently encroaching about 8 feet into the right of way," the consultant explained during the presentation.

Council members questioned whether the contingency (noted in the staff report as roughly 10–15%) is sufficient given steep access and required rock drilling for 10‑foot piers to bedrock. The consultant said contingency had been modestly increased and the primary unknown was the tie‑in to a neighbor's existing wall. On traffic and emergency access, staff said a standard road‑closure/flagging plan will be used: "we'll have a flagger at Toyon that will direct people into their residences," and barricades and on‑site personnel will manage closures so residents can access the one‑way street.

The motion to approve the contract was moved and seconded; the council conducted a roll call and approved the resolution. Staff said the project may require right‑of‑entry agreements with the property owner for work reaching private property, though the primary infrastructure will be in the town right of way.