HomeMy WebLinkAboutCriterium-Schimnowski Engineers - 2815 Casco Point - 04.17.23
April 17, 2023
Melanie Curtis
Planning & Zoning Office
2750 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Delivered by email: MCurtis@ci.orono.mn.us
Re: Project Location: 2815 Casco Pt., Orono, MN
Criterium File No.: 22-6589
Dear Ms. Curtis,
As you are aware, I have been serving as Engineer of Record (EOR) for the retaining wall project at 2815
Casco Pt. in Orono. That project has been subject to some scrutiny initiated when noting that the
constructed layout was different from both the fire damaged wall it was to replace as well as from my
engineered design. I have been working with the contractor, Valdez Lawn Care, to modify my design to
accommodate the revised layout, while not deviating from the design specifications and industry
standards as to the construction details.
However, due to photographic construction information just made available to me last week, it is now my
professional opinion that there are numerous, serious construction defects in these walls. I believe that
the walls will not perform reliably in the long term. Further, I believe it is likely that they will show
movement within the next few years.
The attached photos were sent to me on Monday, April 10th via an email from Lisa Thostenson, the owner
of 2815 Casco Pt. Some items I noted in the photos include:
1. Images 004 and 005 show the tieback installation holes that were dug into the hillside. It is not
possible to install the required 8-foot long deadmen or adequately compact the backfill soil using
this approach.
2. Images 001, 002 and 006 show that the deadmen are not 8 feet long as specified. It is the
deadmen that provide nearly all of the lateral support for these walls. The absence of these
members contributes to significant structural instability.
3. I do not see evidence of compaction equipment on site during construction. It could be that it is
out of view. Regardless, Image 002 shows the presence of voids under the tiebacks. These voids
prevent wall backfill from being adequately compacted.
It is my professional opinion that the walls should be demolished and properly rebuilt. The rebuild should
follow all design specifications and industry standards. Once approved, the layout should not be altered.
Further, as guided by my code of ethics as a licensed, Professional Engineer, I consider this to be a life-
safety issue for which all parties involved should be notified. Since Ms. Thostenson is not my client, I
recommend that your office appropriately notifies her.
Finally, pursuant to our Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers (CSE) Retaining Wall Services Agreement with
Valdes Lawn Care and Snow Removal signed August 24, 2022, I have terminated our engineering
services with Valdes as EOR related to the project at 2815 Casco Pt, Orono MN.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me.
2815 Casco Pt., Orono, MN
April 17, 2023
Page | 2
Sincerely,
Paul Schimnowski, P.E.
License #40126 (MN)
Owner/President
SBN Services, LLC d/b/a
Criterium-Schimnowski Engineers
161 Dunbar Way, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Phone: (651) 779-7700
pschimno@criterium-schimnowski.com
www.criterium-schimnowski.com
Encl. (photos)