WA9601-CS 991014..............SHIMEK, JAC OBS & FINKLEA, L.L.P.
,
: CONSULTING ENGINEERS
i 8333 Douglas Avenue, #820 Dallas, Texas 75225-5816 Fax (214) 361-0204 Phone (214) 361-7900
ROSS L. JACOBS, P.E.
RONALD V. CONWAY, P.E.
JOHN W. BIRKHOFF, P.E.
JOE R. CARTER, P.E.
GARY C. HENDRICKS, P.E. October 14, 1999
i. c. FINKLEA, P.E.
PAUL A. CARLINE, P.E.
MATT HICKEY, P.E.
Transmitted Via Facsimile
Mr. Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E.
City of Coppell
Post Office Box 478
Coppell, Texas 75019
Re: Wagon Wheel Ranch Elevated Storage Tank
Site Landscape and Grass issues
Dear Mr. Griffin:
While conducting the final walk-through for the Wagon Wheel Ranch Elevated Storage Tank project
yesterday, we noted that the drainage swales on the site were not solid block sodded as required by the project
plans. As we discussed this issue with the contractor, his landscape sub-contractor and our landscape
architect, we learned that the City requested Primavera Bermudagrass is not available in sod form, but only in
seed. Consequently, the contractor hydromulched the swales ~vith rye grass in lieu of sodding, with the intent
of re-seeding the areas with Primavera grass seed this next spring.
The area shown on the plans to be solid block sodded was intended to provide erosion control in and
dov~Ttstream of the drainage swales. It is our opinion that hyrdromulching these areas with D'e grass will
create an unacceptable erosion and maintenance condition in the drainage swales, the associated drainage
structures and storm sewer system, and downstream of the tank site as well. Therefore, we recommend the
areas shown on the plans to be solid block sodded be constructed as called for, either with the original
Buffalograss or another form of common Bermudagrass sod.
While discussing this issue with the contractor and our landscape architect, we were made aware of the
incompatibility of the requested Primavera Bermudagrass and the other proposed landscape plantings at the
tank site (please refer to the attached letter from Caye Cook, dated October 14, 1999). Considering this new
information, we recommend the Buffalograss and other native be installed as called for on the plans. The
Buffalograss can be sodded today as and where called for with a very good probability of taking root before
sever weather sets in. Where Buffalograss seed is required, the temporary rye grass seed should be acceptable
until such time the Buffalograss seed can be planted with adequate chance of germination.
\'lengineefing\sjf_sjf_vol2 sjfXprojects\clerical\coppell\96-149\letters\const\grass determination doc
Mr. Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E.
CivJ of Coppell
October 14, 1999
P. age Number 2
From discussions during our final walk-through, we understand the City's Leisure Services Department may
not be in agreement with our original landscape plan as shown in the construction documents dated January,
1998. Therefore we are requesting clarification on this issue. Of course the contractor is working to complete
all aspects of the project as soon as practical. Please review this recommendation and notify us of your
findings. Once xve are clear on these issues surrounding the project landscaping, we will issue a letter to the
contractor ~nalizing the City's desires.
We are available to discuss this project further at your convenience.
Sincerely
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Larry Davis
.0c~-14-99 09:56A The e..~edy Group 214-1~73-0170 P,02
[,,"~I:CA'~'E ,C( ).( )K,
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
14 October 1999
Mr. Gary Hendricks
Shimek dacobs & Finklea
8333 Douglas Avenue, Suite 820
Dallas, TX 75225
RE: Wagon Wheel Tank, Coppell, TX
Possible Landscape Revisions
Dear Gary:
I am writing to respond to several discussions with your office regarding a request from
a City of Coppell representative to change the buffalograss to "Primavera" bermudagrass.
I recommend that the buffalograss be retained due to the low water requirements of the
plant materials and the complementary irrigation design for low water demand plants.
Due to the low water demand of buffalograss and the other native plants, we combined
lawn and shrub irrigation heads on the same stations for economy and efficiency. The
"Primavera'' bermudagrass is a high water demand plant. If the buffalogn'ass is replaced
with bermudagrass, then the other plants will be over watered in order to give the
bermudagrass adequate water, unless the irrigation system is modified to water the lawn
separately from the shrubs and other native plants.
As you know, the original design concept generated from the City of Coppelt asked us to
consider a dry rock stream, possible cow sculptures, fencing to incorporate the wagon
wheel motif, and a clock on the water tank. These design requests were atypical for
Coppell water tanks and we responded with a landscape scheme featuring native plant
materials to complement the City n,~uest for a distinctive landscape for Wagon Wheel
tank. 'fheretbre, I request that the buffalograss and other native plants be installed per the
approved pians.
Sincerely,
Caye Cook
8588 Northwest Plaza [)rive, Suite 202A * Dallas, TX 75225
Phone 214-739 9105 * Fax 214-373-0170