Construction Alert No. 14
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
July 21, 2011
City, Tribes, State Scheduled to Meet Next Week
The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), the agency with responsibility to review, issue and manage archaeological permits in Washington, will convene a meeting next week with representatives of DAHP, consulting Tribes and the City. Originally scheduled for late this week, the meeting was moved to accommodate scheduling conflicts. The main topic of the discussion will be Oak Harbor’s two Emergency Archaeological Excavation Permit applications – one for the Pioneer Way project area and one for the gravel pit north of town where the excavated materials were taken. The permits cover boundary delineation of the archaeological site, recovery of disturbed ancestral remains and a plan for the ultimate disposition of those remains.
We can also provide an update on our request to the State to allow some limited placement of gravel to make the sidewalks and curb transitions safer for pedestrians. There are continuing concerns that this work could cause additional ground disturbances prior to the subsurface materials sampling effort that will determine the extent of the archaeological site. That said, there is recognition that site safety is also essential so the City has been asked to provide additional details on the methods and equipment to be used in performing this work. We expect to have this information back to the State on Monday.
Key City Contact People
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Briefing No. 22
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
July 15, 2011
Good afternoon,
While the news from the construction front is unfortunately very slim indeed this week (notwithstanding site maintenance and our ongoing efforts to work with the State to make the site safer and more pedestrian-friendly), there have been a few tentative steps in a positive direction with respect to our archaeological permits. The following describes the highlights:
□ The tribal comment period for the City’s Emergency Excavation Permit for Pioneer Way closed on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Four tribes (Swinomish, Tulalip, Suquamish and Samish) supplied written comments and these submittals are now under review by the permitting agency, the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). Once approved, this permit will allow the City’s consulting archaeologist to move forward with sampling to determine the size of the site and with sifting of the spoils piles inside the securing fencing between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets.
□ On Thursday of this week, the DAHP scheduled a meeting for next Thursday, July 21, 2001, between representatives of their office, interested tribal representatives and City officials. This meeting will focus on issues raised during the tribal comment period, specifically if or how these comments might be incorporated into our permit. The DAHP has not been able to provide us with a timeframe for when our permit might be issued.
□ Also on Tuesday, the City submitted the second Emergency Excavation Permit covering the spoils piles that were taken from Pioneer Way to a gravel pit north of the City. This application was distributed by DAHP to the tribal communities on Wednesday with a suggested comment deadline of today, July 15. The option was left open for any tribe to request an extension to the comment period.
□ Based on the permit review process, the City extended the temporary suspension of Strider’s contract for another week, through July 25, 2011. We remain in almost daily contact with the contractor.
Finally, the City Council on Tuesday re-authorized monies that can be used for construction-related support for the downtown business community. City staff are working closely with the Downtown Merchant’s Association to find the highest value use of these dollars in ways that also pass muster with the State Auditor’s Office. Many thanks to one and all who have been a part of refining and extending this effort.
Scheduled Gatherings (on as usual!)
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week
Key City Contact People
These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360-914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Other Places for Information
Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
July 15, 2011
Good afternoon,
While the news from the construction front is unfortunately very slim indeed this week (notwithstanding site maintenance and our ongoing efforts to work with the State to make the site safer and more pedestrian-friendly), there have been a few tentative steps in a positive direction with respect to our archaeological permits. The following describes the highlights:
□ The tribal comment period for the City’s Emergency Excavation Permit for Pioneer Way closed on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Four tribes (Swinomish, Tulalip, Suquamish and Samish) supplied written comments and these submittals are now under review by the permitting agency, the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). Once approved, this permit will allow the City’s consulting archaeologist to move forward with sampling to determine the size of the site and with sifting of the spoils piles inside the securing fencing between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets.
□ On Thursday of this week, the DAHP scheduled a meeting for next Thursday, July 21, 2001, between representatives of their office, interested tribal representatives and City officials. This meeting will focus on issues raised during the tribal comment period, specifically if or how these comments might be incorporated into our permit. The DAHP has not been able to provide us with a timeframe for when our permit might be issued.
□ Also on Tuesday, the City submitted the second Emergency Excavation Permit covering the spoils piles that were taken from Pioneer Way to a gravel pit north of the City. This application was distributed by DAHP to the tribal communities on Wednesday with a suggested comment deadline of today, July 15. The option was left open for any tribe to request an extension to the comment period.
□ Based on the permit review process, the City extended the temporary suspension of Strider’s contract for another week, through July 25, 2011. We remain in almost daily contact with the contractor.
Finally, the City Council on Tuesday re-authorized monies that can be used for construction-related support for the downtown business community. City staff are working closely with the Downtown Merchant’s Association to find the highest value use of these dollars in ways that also pass muster with the State Auditor’s Office. Many thanks to one and all who have been a part of refining and extending this effort.
Scheduled Gatherings (on as usual!)
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week
Key City Contact People
These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360-914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Other Places for Information
Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Friday, July 8, 2011
Briefing No. 21
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
July 7, 2011
Good afternoon,
As reported in last week’s briefing, Strider Construction’s work on the Pioneer Way project has been suspended at least until July 18, 2011, with further work subject to authorization from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). People may still catch an occasional glimpse of a Strider crew member, either helping to maintain the project site or doing work that does not involve excavation, filling or adding impervious cover. Most of the equipment has also been temporarily removed pending approval to move forward. We continue to be appreciative of Strider’s cooperative and reasonable attitude since the human remains discovery on June 16, 2011.
Unfortunately, we are no closer to being able to answer the “when will construction resume” question. The Emergency Archaeological Excavation Permit application was submitted on June 27 and distributed by DAHP to interested tribes on June 28 with a one-week comment period. This comment period has since been extended to next Tuesday, July 12. The Excavation Permit is a prerequisite for any work involving site testing (to determine the extent of the archaeological resources) or excavation (dealing directly with the discovery area between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets). City officials continue to work closely with State and Tribal authorities on all matters related to the discovery. Certainly, if we hear anything definitive from DAHP regarding our permit, we will get the word out as quickly as possible.
Dust Control
Since it appears that warmer, drier days are upon us and with Strider’s construction efforts mostly suspended, the City will be assuming interim dust control responsibilities east of Dock Street. In the short term, the Public Works crew will be watering the street but we are investigating the application of a lignin-based product that is used commonly throughout this area for water-soluble, environmentally sustainable dust suppression. It is applied in liquid form, takes about 3-4 hours to dry and should last as much as two weeks before re-application. We will let you know via a Construction Alert if and when this option is exercised.
Scheduled Gatherings (on as usual!)
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear the latest about the project
Key City Contact People
These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:
Larry Cort
Project Manager
lcort@oakharbor.org
360-914-7107
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Other Places for Information
Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379
Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
July 7, 2011
Good afternoon,
As reported in last week’s briefing, Strider Construction’s work on the Pioneer Way project has been suspended at least until July 18, 2011, with further work subject to authorization from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). People may still catch an occasional glimpse of a Strider crew member, either helping to maintain the project site or doing work that does not involve excavation, filling or adding impervious cover. Most of the equipment has also been temporarily removed pending approval to move forward. We continue to be appreciative of Strider’s cooperative and reasonable attitude since the human remains discovery on June 16, 2011.
Unfortunately, we are no closer to being able to answer the “when will construction resume” question. The Emergency Archaeological Excavation Permit application was submitted on June 27 and distributed by DAHP to interested tribes on June 28 with a one-week comment period. This comment period has since been extended to next Tuesday, July 12. The Excavation Permit is a prerequisite for any work involving site testing (to determine the extent of the archaeological resources) or excavation (dealing directly with the discovery area between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets). City officials continue to work closely with State and Tribal authorities on all matters related to the discovery. Certainly, if we hear anything definitive from DAHP regarding our permit, we will get the word out as quickly as possible.
Dust Control
Since it appears that warmer, drier days are upon us and with Strider’s construction efforts mostly suspended, the City will be assuming interim dust control responsibilities east of Dock Street. In the short term, the Public Works crew will be watering the street but we are investigating the application of a lignin-based product that is used commonly throughout this area for water-soluble, environmentally sustainable dust suppression. It is applied in liquid form, takes about 3-4 hours to dry and should last as much as two weeks before re-application. We will let you know via a Construction Alert if and when this option is exercised.
Scheduled Gatherings (on as usual!)
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear the latest about the project
Key City Contact People
These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:
Larry Cort
Project Manager
lcort@oakharbor.org
360-914-7107
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360 279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Other Places for Information
Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379
Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Friday, July 1, 2011
Briefing No. 20
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
July 1, 2011
Good afternoon,
As noted in a recent Construction Alert, the State’s June 23, 2011 order to cease work on any activity involving excavation, filling or placement of impervious surfaces left very little work for Strider to do. The State did make an exception to allow utility trenching work on Dock Street between Pioneer Way and Bayshore Drive subject to monitoring by an archaeologist. This work was completed on Thursday. In addition, the City requested permission to bring in small amounts of gravel fill to make pedestrian travel safer. The State agreed to allow this activity so long as the amount of fill was kept to what was characterized as “wheel barrow-sized amounts.” No other work is authorized at the moment with the exception of dust abatement which will continue twice each day during the holiday weekend and beyond.
Looking ahead, we are waiting on word from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation regarding the City’s application for an Emergency Excavation Permit. While we have no specific information about when work can proceed, it is reasonable to expect that Strider will not be able to re-start major construction until at least July 18, 2011. Consequently, we have asked the contractor to suspend work until that date to avoid at least some of the costs associated with having crews and equipment on standby. Once we get the green light to continue construction, Strider will re-mobilize as quickly as possible to get the project moving again.
We wish everyone a festive Fourth of July holiday!
Scheduled Gatherings (on as usual!)
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week
Key City Contact People
These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914 7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Other Places for Information
Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379
Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
July 1, 2011
Good afternoon,
As noted in a recent Construction Alert, the State’s June 23, 2011 order to cease work on any activity involving excavation, filling or placement of impervious surfaces left very little work for Strider to do. The State did make an exception to allow utility trenching work on Dock Street between Pioneer Way and Bayshore Drive subject to monitoring by an archaeologist. This work was completed on Thursday. In addition, the City requested permission to bring in small amounts of gravel fill to make pedestrian travel safer. The State agreed to allow this activity so long as the amount of fill was kept to what was characterized as “wheel barrow-sized amounts.” No other work is authorized at the moment with the exception of dust abatement which will continue twice each day during the holiday weekend and beyond.
Looking ahead, we are waiting on word from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation regarding the City’s application for an Emergency Excavation Permit. While we have no specific information about when work can proceed, it is reasonable to expect that Strider will not be able to re-start major construction until at least July 18, 2011. Consequently, we have asked the contractor to suspend work until that date to avoid at least some of the costs associated with having crews and equipment on standby. Once we get the green light to continue construction, Strider will re-mobilize as quickly as possible to get the project moving again.
We wish everyone a festive Fourth of July holiday!
Scheduled Gatherings (on as usual!)
AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear what’s on the schedule for that week
Key City Contact People
These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914 7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Other Places for Information
Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379
Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/
Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Construction Alert No. 13
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 29, 2011
Archaeological Permit Submitted and Under Review by State
From our discussions late last week with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), we learned that the City would be required to apply for and receive two Archaeological Excavation Permits – one for the Pioneer Way project area and one for the gravel pit where the excavated materials were taken. The permits would apply to recovery of human remains, site boundary delineation and data recovery. On Monday of this week, the City submitted the first of these permit applications, covering the Pioneer Way project area. Yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, DAHP distributed the application with their comments to six “interested, affected tribes.” Once the tribes have responded, we should have a clearer idea of where, when and how the excavation work will proceed.
Related to the State’s order to stop all earth filling work, several downtown merchants have pointed out to us how difficult it is for pedestrians to step over the new curbs and gutters, especially with the gaps that were left when this portion of the project was shut down abruptly last Thursday. We have requested and received permission from the State to make these locations safer by placing small amounts of gravel fill along the curb line, at the ramps and leading up to the front doors of businesses. General clean-up of the site will also take place. This work will occur tomorrow so that it can be in place for the holiday weekend.
Key City Contact People
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 29, 2011
Archaeological Permit Submitted and Under Review by State
From our discussions late last week with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), we learned that the City would be required to apply for and receive two Archaeological Excavation Permits – one for the Pioneer Way project area and one for the gravel pit where the excavated materials were taken. The permits would apply to recovery of human remains, site boundary delineation and data recovery. On Monday of this week, the City submitted the first of these permit applications, covering the Pioneer Way project area. Yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, DAHP distributed the application with their comments to six “interested, affected tribes.” Once the tribes have responded, we should have a clearer idea of where, when and how the excavation work will proceed.
Related to the State’s order to stop all earth filling work, several downtown merchants have pointed out to us how difficult it is for pedestrians to step over the new curbs and gutters, especially with the gaps that were left when this portion of the project was shut down abruptly last Thursday. We have requested and received permission from the State to make these locations safer by placing small amounts of gravel fill along the curb line, at the ramps and leading up to the front doors of businesses. General clean-up of the site will also take place. This work will occur tomorrow so that it can be in place for the holiday weekend.
Key City Contact People
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Construction Alert No. 12
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 23, 2011
Project Suspended Pending Archaeological Permit
The City learned this afternoon in a letter from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation that all work requiring “excavation, filling, or placement of impervious surfaces along SE Pioneer Way must cease until an archaeological testing plan and permit application have been received, and an archaeological excavation permit issued by our agency.” The State made one exception to allow the peripheral utility trenching to continue on Dock Street between Pioneer Way and Bayshore Drive. As a consequence of this letter, City staff informed Strider to shut down all operations meeting the suspension criteria established by the State and to make every effort to leave the site safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
We know that this news will be very disappointing to everyone who is anxious to see this project completed as quickly as possible. Needless to say, all City staff and officials will be working as hard as we can to cooperate with State and Tribal authorities to both honor the discovered remains and get the project moving again. As soon as we have any new information, it will be coming your way through the usual channels.
Key City Contact People
Larry Cort
Project manager
360-914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 23, 2011
Project Suspended Pending Archaeological Permit
The City learned this afternoon in a letter from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation that all work requiring “excavation, filling, or placement of impervious surfaces along SE Pioneer Way must cease until an archaeological testing plan and permit application have been received, and an archaeological excavation permit issued by our agency.” The State made one exception to allow the peripheral utility trenching to continue on Dock Street between Pioneer Way and Bayshore Drive. As a consequence of this letter, City staff informed Strider to shut down all operations meeting the suspension criteria established by the State and to make every effort to leave the site safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
We know that this news will be very disappointing to everyone who is anxious to see this project completed as quickly as possible. Needless to say, all City staff and officials will be working as hard as we can to cooperate with State and Tribal authorities to both honor the discovered remains and get the project moving again. As soon as we have any new information, it will be coming your way through the usual channels.
Key City Contact People
Larry Cort
Project manager
360-914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Construction Alert No. 11
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 22, 2011
New Bone Fragments Unearthed Adjacent to First Discovery
Late yesterday (Tuesday), the City’s Pioneer Way contractor uncovered several additional bone fragments while excavating just east of the initial discovery site. The City had been given permission by the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to continue excavation so long as the as the work was monitored by a professional archaeologist. After nearly two uneventful days, the archaeologist spotted several additional fragments, stopped further excavation work and informed City staff of the discovery. As with the initial inadvertent find, staff reported the discovery to the police and DAHP and, based on advice from the archaeologist, helped the Strider crew cover the new site with cloth and install barrier fencing. We are anticipating that these remains will be evaluated in combination with those uncovered during the original discovery.
With the archaeological discovery area effectively contained within the block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets, we can expect that Strider’s crews will be focusing their work on the balance of Phase 2, along with ongoing restoration work in Phase 1. We are expecting that a crew from S & S Concrete Construction will be in town today to begin preparing the forms for curb and gutter between Dock and Hathaway Streets (the straight sections). In addition, the last major utility work will begin today on Dock Street between Pioneer and Bayshore to connect the new underground power and communications to the larger system. Drivers should expect detours around this section of Dock Street while this work is completed.
Key City Contact People
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360-914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project
June 22, 2011
New Bone Fragments Unearthed Adjacent to First Discovery
Late yesterday (Tuesday), the City’s Pioneer Way contractor uncovered several additional bone fragments while excavating just east of the initial discovery site. The City had been given permission by the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to continue excavation so long as the as the work was monitored by a professional archaeologist. After nearly two uneventful days, the archaeologist spotted several additional fragments, stopped further excavation work and informed City staff of the discovery. As with the initial inadvertent find, staff reported the discovery to the police and DAHP and, based on advice from the archaeologist, helped the Strider crew cover the new site with cloth and install barrier fencing. We are anticipating that these remains will be evaluated in combination with those uncovered during the original discovery.
With the archaeological discovery area effectively contained within the block between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets, we can expect that Strider’s crews will be focusing their work on the balance of Phase 2, along with ongoing restoration work in Phase 1. We are expecting that a crew from S & S Concrete Construction will be in town today to begin preparing the forms for curb and gutter between Dock and Hathaway Streets (the straight sections). In addition, the last major utility work will begin today on Dock Street between Pioneer and Bayshore to connect the new underground power and communications to the larger system. Drivers should expect detours around this section of Dock Street while this work is completed.
Key City Contact People
Larry Cort
Project Manager
360-914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org
Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org
Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360 914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org
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