Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Amy Niles, River Operations Manager
Contact Info
(830) 221-4628 - aniles@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider approval of walkway improvements around the City Tube Chute.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The walkways around the City Tube Chute have been a high accident area for many years. They are slick and are a safety concern for our visitors and staff. In the upcoming final reports on the Comal River Improvements Study by Freese and Nichols, and the Safety Study by Counsilman-Hunsaker, both consultants have identified these areas as safety issues for the City to address.
When Das Rec opened, the pool deck was slippery but was rectified by etching in the concrete by Diamond Safety Concepts. The solution has proven successful. Therefore, staff would like to pursue the same solution here. Staff proposed to the River Advisory Committee the sidewalk etching for the sidewalks and landings around the Tube Chute and down to Stinky Falls. The cost for this work is $3.95 per square foot plus four travel days at $500 per day. Staff provided the River Advisory Committee with two options to consider:
Option 1:
The sidewalk from the bottom of the stairs by the Tube Chute to Stinky Falls is approximately 2,500 square feet which would cost $9,875 plus $2,000 in travel. This is the highest priority area.
Option 2:
Includes all areas of Option 1, with the addition of all sidewalks and landings around the Tube Chute. This would be approximately 5,000 square feet with total cost of $19,750 plus $2,000 in travel. This option would make a path from the river exit before the Tube Chute, all the way to Stinky Falls where a patron would reenter.
Diamond Safety is not able to use their machinery on the stairways. Staff is exploring alternative options for the stairs.
If approved, work would be completed in late March and would take approximately 3-5 days.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
FISCAL IMPACT:
This expense is within the City Manager’s spending authority. However, because of the high-profile nature of the work and the location, we wanted to bring to the City Council for consideration. If approved, the cost of the project would be billed to the River Activities Fund as an unbudgeted expenditure.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
On February 21, the River Advisory Committee unanimously recommended Option 2.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends for 5,000 square-feet of walkways around the City Tube Chute to be improved by Diamond Safety Concepts.