HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.03.2002COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 3, 2002
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Hurley, Getty.
Members absent: Jordan.
Moved by Berry, seconded by Clark that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Jordan. Motion carried.
Members of the Cedar River Task Force presented an update to the council. Bob Walker,
Chairperson of the Cedar River Task Force, stated that on August 3, 2001, Mayor Rooff held a
press conference creating the Cedar River Task Force. The Task Force has had numerous
meetings and has taken core samples from the Cedar River. The Task Force recommends that
the area be cleaned up between the levy walls and the river bed sediments be removed to improve
recreational navigation on the Cedar River.
Sherman Lundy, Geologist for Basic Materials Corp. and a member of the Task Force, submitted
a River Bed Sampling Study Report. A river bed sampling was completed in mid -April. The
area east of San Souci to the Highway 218 bridge is mostly core sand. Dredging the river bed is
a possible alternative for removing sediment from San Souci to the Highway 218 bridge. Clam
shell extraction or possible dredging east of San Souci to downtown Waterloo should be
explored for viable alternatives of sediment removal in this area. Clam shell extraction involves
stockpiling along the river bank for later removal to fill sites or commercial production sites.
The sediment materials removed from the river bed cannot be used directly as commercial.
materials. Processing for commercial use is required and the nearest Sand Producing Site is
Basic Materials Corp. Waterloo Sand Plant. The materials west of San Souci could be dredged
and pumped to the East Lake location for commercial processing. Basic Materials Corp. would
consider assisting the Task Force with the dredging and pumping of materials from this location
as a subcontractor for the Task Force. The Cedar River is an active stream. Sediment transport
and deposition will continue to occur along the entire area. Yearly monitoring efforts of the river
bed depth from the surface should be a part of future planning and review by the Task Force. At
this time, the Task Force does not have a cost to pump the materials to the East Lake location.
Mayor Rooff stated that the Corps of Engineers gave the city $100,000 grant and the city
contributed $100,000 and asked if something was put on the dam could the Cedar River be used
for boating.
Councilperson Welper stated that there are 10,000 boats registered in Black Hawk County that
go to other areas every weekend. Councilperson Welper stated he feels the river is an important
part of the Riverfront Project.
Mayor Rooff stated the city asked the Corps of Engineers for a recommendation on where the
dam should be elevated. We looked at the 11`h Street and 18th Street bridges, but the city was told
putting a dam on those locations could cause flooding and would require upgrading the sewer
system.
Mr. Lundy stated that he feels the material from the Cedar River would be marketable.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, stated that when the city started looking at renovating the
dam, some people were interested in kayak chutes for the river.
Jim Higgins stated that there is a lot of property in Sherwood Park that could be used for
camping.
Councilperson Hurley asked if wing dams could be used. Mike Ryan responded that the south
by-pass channel was installed in the mid-80s behind the National Cattle Congress grounds and
rebuilt in the mid-90s. Wing dams need maintenance because of the occurrence of flooding.
Council Work Session
June 3, 2002
Page 2
Mr. Walker stated that the following items need to be reviewed: dredging and installation of the
rubber bladder dam. Cork Petersen will get an estimate of the cost for dredging.
Councilperson Clark stated it is his understanding that a bladder dam is only used for about three
months of the year during times when the water is flowing to keep the silt out.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, stated that the city is looking at how raising the dam will affect
downstream and also the floodwalls.
Councilperson Greenwood asked if Basic Materials was interested in doing the dredging of the
river. Mr. Lundy responded that Basic Materials does not have the kind of dredging equipment
needed. The most expensive part of dredging the river is transporting it to another location.
Mr. Higgins stated that he contacted Federal Procurement, and they have two dredges that could
be used by the city. Mr. Higgins stated there are Bosnians in our community who have dredging
experience.
Mayor Rooff stated that the dam is included in the Riverfront Project.
Councilperson Getty recommended that the committee prepare a cost for the project and come
back to the council.
Mr. Walker stated that the city needs to get the Corps of Engineers involved in this project. Mr.
Temeyer stated that the Corps will be more involved in the environmental work which will tie in
with the dredging.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Berry that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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