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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 2026 - PR Memo to Council - Emergency Proclamation Stoneway Wall Repair DATE: January 22, 2026 TO: Ruth Pérez, Council President Members of Renton City Council CC: Armondo Pavone, Mayor Ed VanValey, Chief Administrative Officer FROM: Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks & Recreation Administrator STAFF CONTACT: John Rupp, P.E., Parks & Trails Director SUBJECT: Emergency Proclamation – Stoneway Property Retaining Wall Repair What Occurred Following record Cedar River flows on December 11, 2025, Parks & Recreation staff lead by John Rupp, P.E., Parks & Trails Director, conducted routine post-flood inspections of City riverfront assets. During these inspections, a section of the retaining wall at the recently acquired Stoneway Property failed and collapsed outward into the river, with adjacent wall blocks dislocated and at risk of further failure. The Stoneway Property is a former contaminated site subject to environmental covenants administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology, including requirements to maintain the integrity of the soil cap. The wall failure created a risk of progressive collapse and potential exposure or release of contaminated materials. Why an Emergency Proclamation Was Requested Based on site conditions, consultant assessment, and regulatory obligations associated with the property, immediate stabilization and repair were required to reduce environmental and liability risk. An emergency proclamation was coordinated with the Mayor’s Office to allow expedited contracting and mobilization. The emergency proclamation did not waive environmental permitting, regulatory review, financial controls, or interdepartmental oversight. It allowed work to proceed within time constraints driven by site stability and environmental risk. Delaying action to follow standard procurement timelines would have increased the likelihood of additional failure and expanded exposure. Council President & Members of Council Page 2 of 4 January 22, 2026 Figure 1. Initial state of wall collapse. Figure 2. Nearly complete wall repair. Council President & Members of Council Page 3 of 4 January 22, 2026 Key Dates 12/29: Wall failure identified during post-flood inspections 12/30: Engineering assessment confirmed risk of additional failure 12/30: Emergency proclamation coordinated with Mayor’s Office 12/30–12/31: Coordination initiated with Ecology, WDFW, and USACE 12/31: Engineering, environmental consultants, and contractor engaged 01/02: Hydraulic Project Approval application submitted (WDFW) 01/05: Hydraulic Project Approval issued 01/07: USACE confirmed no Corps permit required 01/08: Construction contract executed; repairs initiated 01/21: Structural repairs completed Contracted Partners: The below noted partners and respective contract amounts reflect anticipated totals accounting for all change orders based on unforeseen conditions discovered once excavations began. Final invoices have not yet been received. Partner Approximate Final Contract Amount Environmental Consulting: Landau Associates $50,000 Geotechnical Engineering: GeoEngineers $30,000 Construction: Johansen Construction Company $500,000 How the Work Was Coordinated The response was coordinated across departments to ensure compliance and oversight. Finance supported financial setup and cost tracking; Community and Economic Development provided onsite construction observation and quantity verification; and Parks & Recreation served as the lead department coordinating consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies. What Is Next Final erosion control measures will be completed, after which the site will return to routine monitoring consistent with existing environmental covenants. Legislative Process This memorandum is provided for background and transparency regarding actions taken during an emergency and does not replace or supersede the City’s legislative approval processes. To the extent that formal Council action is required to ratify contracts or authorizations executed under the emergency proclamation, staff will follow the normal agenda bill process to ensure those actions are properly recorded. Please let us know if you have any questions. Sincerely, Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks & Recreation Administrator John Rupp, P.E., Parks & Trails Director