NISQUALLY MEADOWS NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS
105TH DETENTION POND NEW RETAINING WALL
Status: in process/Bid Accepted
Through research, we believe the pond on the south property line of Nisqually Meadows was constructed improper. In the past, previous Board have put in a retaining wall on the one side, and the steeper side was untouched. We believe the wall was constructed around 2012 with planting of trees later on, from recent contractors this wall now failing and was also not built correctly. Retaining walls if built right should last 30+ years. We will address this in the future but for now the opposite side of this pond is now failing and having a major erosion issue. The fence between the top of the pond and the residence, is falling towards the pond, even with all the work the homeowner has put in to help secure the fence, the ground is moving towards the pond. The only thing holding up the earth on that side is what we believe to be original boards from when the pond was put in. These boards do not go very far from the top of the pond and are looking their age.
If this house slid, it would be catastrophic not only for that family but also for the neighborhood and the value of our homes.
The current Board has launched a search for engineers and companies that can build a strong retention wall with a lifetime guarantee. Ms. April and Ms. Melissa have come up with different companies to survey the issue, and now they are proceeding with a collecting bid for Geoengineering soil assessment. From meeting with Contractors for a new wall, the Board has been told by the contractors, they will not touch the slope or address the issue without a Geotechnical report.
So far after speaking with the contractors, the preliminary plan looks like we may need to install multiple level walls, that are each 80+ feet long x 3 feet high with Geogrid and drainage between the levels of the wall. The Geogrid is used to help reinforce the soil and embankments on the slope. When we receive the Geotechnical report, we will determine a final plan and collect bids to address the issues.
Existing Slope/ Existing Wall
Possible Idea
Geo Engineering Bids
Contactor Bids
Accepted Bid
Tree Trimming and Removal
Status: Complete 4/3/24
The trees at the entrances need a major trimming. After speaking with the contractors, the trees at the first entrance were topped about 10 years ago. Because of this, the trees are having some major issues.
There is also some trees that are dyeing and need to be removed.
Tree Experts Bids
Accepted Bid
FENCE REPLACEMENT
Status: In process / collecting bid
The fence along the back of the pond is showing its age and is Deteriorating. In the next year or two we will be working on collecting bids to replace the fence line along the back of the pond. The plan is to collect bids for 100’ long x 6’ tall wood fencing with galvanized post. Galvanized post will minimize the need to disturbed the soil.
Existing Fence
DETENTION PONDS BEE HIVE GRATES REPAIR
Status: in process/research
There is several Bee Hive Grates in the retention ponds that are showing there age. they are deuterating and been damage from community members.
This is a specials contractor that deals with these items. one of the contractors we did contact for the pathway dose do grates for storm and street. Possibly future contract with them.
Update 10/24/22 We have contacted the city. According to them there is one in the pond by the entrance that needs to be replaced/repaired. they have given us information and who we can contact to get this fix. The city says our storm system is one of the best in Yelm and will be inspecting the system again in a year or two.
We believe there might be erosion in one of the ponds and will be looking in to what it will take to fix/repair this.
If you know someone who specialist in this please let us know.
OUR PARK PLAYGROUND
In 2022 our playground was not approved by the homeowners for renovations. However, as this is a hot topic and we believe was not clear with what homeowners were voting for we will look into having a committee we just don't want to waste our residence time if 66% of homeowners don't approve starting renovations. some Homeowners suggested putting together a new committee for ideas and research. So we are looking for people who would like to join the committee.
FYI, the HOA can only install commercial grade equipment (it cant be from Costco). It also has to be a License and bonded contractor to install and do the work.
Some past ideas: swings, play equipment, benches, table, tedder ball, horse shoes, raised gardens, tic tac log table, custom stepping stones, activities panels, basketball court, ect.
Please see the Neighborhood park communities on the Announcements tab for more information.
Furthermore, we would like this for all ages (adults and children) but we would prefer somewhere the children in the community can play. This project will also take time.
currently there is no water at the park, but we are looking in to it and contacting Yelm to see where our broken lines could be and what it would take to fix.
Status: Future/research
Existing Pathway
Completed New Pathway
PATHWAY IMPROVEMENTS
Status: complete June 2022
Scope of work:
Our existing pathway is original pea gravel (about 30 years old), Over the years it has degraded and disappeared. There is grass and weeds in large patches. It also has a really bad sinkhole effect (it’s like a mini roller coaster). The pathway is 6' wide x about 105' Long. The Board agreed that this needed to be fixed. The Board collected bids for Gravel and Concrete from four different Contractors.
Contractors:
C& J Excavation, LLP
Down and Dirty Dirt Worx and excavation
Pacific Northwest Dirt Works, LLC
Millertime Construction LLC
Research:
We got bids for 5/8” crushed gravel and concrete w/ Ballard. The Board did research on which one is more durable and cost effective in the long run. We decided that concrete would last longer and have a lower upkeep for the HOA
Some points we compared:
Lifespans- Concrete 30 years, gravel – Generations w/ top offs
Maintenance- Concrete- might need sealing in 3-5 years, Gravel- needs topped of regularly
Pros and cons -
Concrete cons
* As they age, however, functional and aesthetic issues may arise. Over time your concrete will likely develop cracks, could concrete contributes to localized flooding, Requires forms and rebar Requires curing time (7days)
Concrete Pros
* durability and versatility, various types of stone aggregate held together by water and a lime-based binder, concrete provides a smooth, stable and secure foundation that holds up well in any climate and requires little to no maintenance, its simple look can be updated with paint
Gravel Cons
*gravel is usually loose and displaced easily, leading to bare spots and ruts, gravel can wash away, Weeds can grow in gravel, possibly need to be regraded every year or two, depending on how much traffic passes through
Gravel Pros
*drainage and flood protection, cooler in the summer heat, Easy to fix potholes with extra gravel, made from environmentally friendly material
The Choice/Result
After discussing and reviewing the bids, we have accepted the Bid from Jason Mcbride of Down and Dirty Dirt Worx and Excavating. The Board decided that concrete bid was the cheapest out of the others and his examples of concrete work look very good. Jason said he would have to Put in forms and pump in the concrete. He will be grading down about 3-6" to get all weeds and pea gravel out of the way. He will also be removing this material off site should be part of the bid. We have also requested a ballor on the Brighton Street side to slow people down before they get to the road, which has been put in the bid.i
All Contractors have been noted and could possibly be used for future project
Maybe in the near future we can line the pathway with flowers. Just a thought
