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From:Ronald W. Vickery, P.E. <br />To:Melanie Curtis; Jasper, Matthew M CSM USARMY NG MNARNG (USA) <br />Cc:Adam Edwards; Laura Oakden <br />Subject:RE: 4745 Northshore Drive - Council Action for LA25-000007 <br />Date:Friday, May 2, 2025 2:20:11 PM <br />Melanie – here’s the answers to your questions: <br />1.My landscape design was developed to directly address an ongoing erosion problem <br />that had been affecting the stability of the shoreline and bluff line. The erosion was <br />caused by surface water runoff, natural wave action, incorrectly installed riprap, and ice <br />heaves which had begun to undermine the soil and vegetation near the water’s edge <br />and bluff line. To correct this, the design included erosion control measures such as <br />deep-rooted native plants, erosion control fabric, and slope stabilization techniques <br />with the staircase and boulder retaining walls. These improvements were intended to <br />stop further erosion, help restore the health of the shoreline and preserve the roots of <br />trees that are exposed. <br />2.When I began working with the property owner and the contractors, Matt’s main goal <br />for this project was to correct the shoreline with a 3:1 slope with large rip rap toe <br />boulders, construct a safe stairway to the lake shore that would also help in stabilizing <br />the bluff side, and protect as many trees as possible. Given the condition of the bluff <br />line, it was evident that it had not been previously addressed properly. The results of my <br />global stability analysis indicated an overall global stability factor of safety of 1.378, <br />which is in excess of the industry standard factor of safety of 1.3. Please note, without <br />the retaining walls, this factor of safety would be less than 1.3. Therefore, the retaining <br />walls and the stair system will greatly aid in the stabilization of the slope. <br />3.I am a registered professional engineer in the state of Minnesota (among others), and <br />have been designing retaining walls for 27 years. I’ve been running my own company, <br />Vickery Engineering & Consulting, LLC, since 2007. <br />4.The landscaping was carefully planned to be as minimal and natural-looking as possible. <br />It includes only what is necessary to stabilize the shoreline and bluff line to prevent <br />further erosion. Native plants were chosen not only for their effectiveness in holding soil <br />in place but also for their ability to blend into the natural surroundings. Less than 4’ tall <br />boulder walls were used in areas where native plants would not have been enough to <br />prevent further erosion. With Matt’s goal to preserve as many trees as he could on the <br />hill side, small boulder walls was the only way properly accomplish that. No unnecessary <br />structures were made to the landscape, and every effort was taken to preserve the <br />natural view and character of the lakeshore. <br />I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have questions or need anything else. <br />Thanks, <br />Ronald W. Vickery, PE <br />Vickery Engineering & Consulting, LLC <br />Post Office Box 86 <br />Grandy, MN 55029 <br />Phone: 952-465-8272 <br />www.vickeryeng.com <br />~Engineering Solutions for an Unstable World~332