SS9301-CS 931201 MEMORANDUM
To: Frank Trando, Interim City Manager
From: Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E., City Engineer
RE: Correspondence from Mr. William B. Johnson dated Novem~e~ 13, 1993
Date: December 1, 1993 (~&5~
This memo is written in response to a letter from Mr. Bill Johnson"eoneerfiing the removal of
several large trees, numerous small trees and ground cover adjacent to the existing 20 foot
easement. Mr. Johnson is requesting that the City require the replacement of the trees and
ground cover and provide a timetable of when the work will be completed.
I have discussed this with Garreth Campbell, Project Inspector. The contractor has provided a
letter concerning this issue. In essence, the letter states that only a small elm tree was removed
and that the only ground cover removed was briars and weeds. The letter from the contractor
goes on to state that they chose to build a bridge across the creek rather than slope the bank
because sloping the bank would have removed some trees and other vegetation. My inspector
is currently in the process of trying to make contact with Mr. Johnson to walk the site with him
to try to get a better understanding of what trees Mr. Johnson is alluding to.
Mr. Johnson is right in the fact that the contractor is required to replace any trees or vegetation
removed during the construction of this project. The problem is that at this point I have
conflicting reports from the property owner and the contractor as to what was existing on the
project at this time. It is also my understanding that there are no photographs or video tapes of
this area.
I am still investigating this issue and once a compete resolution has been arrived at between the
contractor and the property owner, I will again advise you of that solution and provide a
timetable to Mr. Johnson of when the work will be completed.
If you should have any additional questions concerning this, I will attempt to respond to you.
However, until we have an opportunity to walk the project with Mr. Johnson, I am unable to
fully respond to Mr. Johnson's letter.
DUPLICATE
FORWARDED TO
COUNCIL
697
November 30. 1993
Mr. Ken Griffin, City
City of Coppell
City Hall
Coppell, Texas 75019
Engineer
Sewer Easement At Grapevine Creek Crossing
Letter From William B. Johnson
Dear Mr. Griffin;
Mr. Bill Rite and Mr. William Brown, the men that are
doing the microtunnelling on the above project reported that
only one small Elm tree was taken out and that the only
ground cover they removed was briars and weeds. These are
men of integrity and have no reason to misrepresent what was
done.
I walked this area with Mr. Hits and with the inspector,
Mr. Campbell, and did not see the several trees or the
ground cover as indicated by Mr. Johnson's letter. The fact
that we went to considerable expense to build a bridge,
rather than slope the banks of the creek, bares out the fact
that we are conscientious about our work and considerate of
others.
I fully intend to do what is right. I will certainly
replace the 3" Elm tree that has been reported by Hr. Hits
and Mr. Bro,-n, but am not obligated to replace what we did
not remove.
If the City wants to go beyond the call of duty and
furnish any additional trees and/or ground cover, we will
cooperate and assist in planting, but not furnishing, any
additional trees and ground cover.
CMG/mlg
Dan Frettinger,
Kenko
Sincerely,
Cherlie Ortffith
November 13, 1993
City of Coppell
City Hall
Coppell, Tx. 75019
Attn: Ken Griffin, City Engineer
Subject: Sewer Easement at Grapevine Creek Crossing
Ref: Telecon Johnson-Griffin, wk. of 10 Oct 93
Dear Mr. Griffin,
The boring contractor advised me that city inspectors have reviewed
the preparations for boring under Grapevine Creek. As of this
date, I have not been advised of their findings. However, the fact
remains that the contractor has exceeded the 20' wide easement in
the woods behind my home. In doing so, the ground cover in the
easement and youDg trees adjacent to the 20' easement have been
destroyed.
After the Creekview Sewer Line was installed, I personally planted
small trees immediately adjacent to the 20' easement. This was
necessary because Nathan Meyer & Assoc. destroyed the native trees
on both sides of the easement.
I fully expect the City of Coppell to insure that the trees and
ground cover in this easement area are replaced on a one for one
basis. It is my understanding the contractor is required to
restore the easement and adjacen~ area to it's original status.
This will require replacing several large trees, 3-6" caliper,
numerous small trees, 2-3" caliper, and approximately 1000 sq'ft.
of ground cover.
Pleases confirm theses replacement requirements and provide your
estimate as to when this will be accomplished.
· Johnson
cc Mayor Tom Morton
City Manager