Jaycees Peosta Ch Trail LeveePrepared by: Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director Address: 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
RESOLUTION NO. 65-01
RESOLUTION APPROVING A REQUEST TO LOWER THE HEIGHT OF THE
LEVEE WHERE APPROPRIATE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
DUBUQUE JAYCEES/PEOSTA CHANNEL TRAIL PROJECT
Whereas, in the process of designing the JAYCEES/PEOSTA CHANNEL TRAIL
PROJECT, it was determined that several sections of the earthen levee were
constructed at an elevation higher than the design elevation of the levee, to allowfb~- the
possibility of some settlement of the fill; and,
Whereas, the City and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that
this additional height is not needed and does not provide any additional level of
protection against high water; and,
Whereas, lowering the levee will provide a wider top on the tevee, which can be
used to give some design flexibility along the trail to include such amenities as additional
landscaping, seating area, and possibly a small plaza viewing area; and,
Whereas, the City Council concurs in the lowering of the levee to no less than its
original design elevation.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the plans for the Jaycees/Peosta Channel Trail Project
should incorporate the lowering of the earthen levee to no less than its original design
elevation.
Section 2. That the City Manager be authorized to sign the Corps of
Engineer's Construction Permit application for this project, including the lowering of the
levee.
Passed, approved and adopted this __
19 th day of
February._ ,2001.,_... ~
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F, Schneider, City Clerk
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
February 15, 2001
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Dubuque Jaycees/Peosta Channel Trail Project
Plans are moving forward to construct the Dubuque Jaycees/Peosta Channel Trail Project. This
project will be built on top of the existing levee. Upon review of survey data obtained by IIW, a
discrepancy in design levee elevations and the actual elevations was observed. A review of this
issue with Mr. Dave Varner, Flood Area Engineer, Corps of Engineers, concluded that the
existing levee was overbuilt at several locations to accommodate for potential settlement after
construction.
Public Works Director Mike Koch is recommending that the levee be lowered by 1.6 feet to the
original design elevation o1'619.7 feet above sea level in one selected area. The levee will still
be higher than the existing low' point of 619.1 feet, thereby having no effect on the overall flood
protection capability of the levee. Lowering the levee in this specific location will provide
several benefits to the overall trail project. The flat top of the levee will be wider, which will
allow the trail to gradually meander from side to side rather than having a relatively straight trail
alignment. A wider levee top will also allow greater flexibility to include trail men/ties,
including landscaping, seating area, and possibly a small plaza viewing area.
I respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval of this design modification and the
submittal of plans and specifications to the Corp of Engineers for their review and issuance of a
Construction Permit.
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager
Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
February 12, 2001
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director
Dubuque Jaycees/Peosta Channel Trail Project
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this correspondence is to update you on the status of the
Dubuque Jaycees Peosta Channel Trail Project and request authorization to
make minor modifications to the top elevation of the levee.
DISCUSSION
IIW Engineers & Surveyors, PC has been hired as the consultant on the
Dubuque Jaycees/Peosta Channel Trail Project. The Engineering staff has
been working with IIW on conceptual plans, design parameters, and the
proposed alignment for the new 12-foot wide pedestrian/bike trail between
1 6th Street and Shiras Avenue. The current width of the top of the levee is 6
feet, which is not conducive to the joint use of the trail for both pedestrians
and bicyclists.
Upon review of survey data obtained by IIW, a discrepancy in design levee
elevations and the actual elevations was observed. A review of this issue
with Mr. Dave Varner, Flood Area Engineer, Corps of Engineers, concluded
that the existing levee was overbuilt (above the design level elevation) at
several locations to accommodate for potential settlement after construction.
Based upon existing survey data and Corps levee documentation, the design
levee elevation at 16TM Street is 619.7 feet, design levee elevation at Shiras
Avenue is 620.5 feet, and the lowest point along the levee is 619.1 feet. At
one specific location, the existing levee is 621.4 feet, or approximately 1.6
feet higher than the design levee elevation.
Following an on-site meeting with the Corps of Engineers, City staff and IIW,
City staff is proposing to lower the levee by 1.6 feet to the original design
elevation of 619:7 feet in one selected area. The levee will still be higher
than the existing Iow point of 619.1 feet, thereby having no effect on the
overall flood protection capability of the levee.
Lowering the levee in this specific location will provide several benefits to
the overall trail project. The flat top of the levee will be wider, which will
allow the trail to gradually meander from side to side rather than having a
relatively straight trail alignment. A wider levee top will also allow greater
flexibility to include trail amenities, including landscaping, seating area, and
possibly a small plaza viewing area.
RECOMMENDATION
Based upon the review of Mr. Dave Varner, Flood Area Engineer,
recommend that the levee be lowered in the subject area, to not less than
the design elevation of the levee.
However, official Corps of Engineer's approval will not be considered final
until final plans and specifications are submitted to the Corps for review, and
a construction permit is issued to the City.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
The City Council is requested to adopt the attached resolution authorizing
the City Manager to sign the Corps of Engineers Construction Permit
Application for the project, including lowering the top elevation of levee to
not less than its design elevation.
MAK/vjd
Prepared by Robert D. Schiesl, Civil Engineer
cc: Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
January 16, 200t
Engineering Division
Design Branch
City of Dubuque Engineering
Attn: Bob Schiesl
City Hall, 50 W 13t~ St
Dubuque, IA 52001
I am aware of your Peosta Channel JC Bike/Pedestrian Trail project. I attended
an on-site meeting and walked the proposed trail during the summer of 2000. It was
discovered that sections of this portion of the levee were actually built higher than the
design levee elevation. I agree in concept that the sections of overbuilt levee can be
lowered, as long as the bottom of the base of the trail remains at least at the design levee
elevation. We can not officially approve any levee modffieations until we receive your
proposed plans in a more final stage. We will work with you on this project, but as
always our main concern will be the overall integrity of your levee.
Sincerely,
David Varner, PE
Flood Area Engineer
309-794-5603
Z
z
<~
0
L~
?
?
F-0
0,'~
U~O
13..0
I,
r~Z
~-0
.~
m,~
Z~
F--LO
13.-
t.OQ-
121