Decision on fate of crumbling Riverview Park wall delayed again as FEMA denies help – Alton Telegraph

Jeanie Stephens, jeanie.stephens@thetelegraph.com

Decision on fate of crumbling Riverview Park wall delayed again as FEMA denies help

ALTON City officials have again delayed a decision on what to do about the damaged retaining wall along Riverview Drive in Alton.

At Mondays committee of the whole meeting, officials said no resolution to the matter is expected until more information about funding is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Damage to the wall was discovered during this springs flooding, with August storms exacerbating the problem. An engineering assessment on the project by Sheppard Morgan and Schwaab Inc. recommended three options expected to cost from $169,000 to more than $561,000.

It (FEMA funding) was originally denied and were trying to get it included, public works director Bob Barnhart said Monday night. So were appealing that decision and working with them. Hopefully theyll pick up some of the tab.

Regardless of funding, Barnhart said the city will have to do something. The road remains closed to traffic and the wall will continue to destabilize over time with additional downpours, he said.

Were looking right now to at least stabilize and repair how it is, Barnhardt said. But well have FEMA look at it as well. If they they feel theres a more comprehensive repair required, then well explore those options.

Barnhart said he met with a FEMA grant coordinator on Monday. Any updates, decisions and questions will be addressed collectively by the city officials and personnel, he said.

Im always optimistic, Barnhart said. Weve got to be positive.

Mondays meeting also discussed and preliminarily approved proposed changes to Civil Service Commission rules tabled at prior meetings.

The mayor had some concerns, said city attorney Jim Schrempf. He indicated that he would like some clarification. They discussed it and the Civil Service Commission voted two-to-one to recommend the approval.

The proposed changes would let those in appointed positions apply for civil service positions before the positions are opened to the public. Unlike union members who already have this opportunity, those in appointed positions would be unable to return to their positions if the civil service position doesnt work out.

We discussed it and its something the citys not done before, said Mayor Brant Walker. Overall, it may be a good thing. But I saw the potential that it could be problematic.

Council members also discussed and preliminarily approved the annual property tax levy, although the amount wont be finalized for about another week. They also gave preliminary approval to the demolition of structures at 728 Alby St., 614 Ridge St. and 2510 Maxey St.

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Decision on fate of crumbling Riverview Park wall delayed again as FEMA denies help - Alton Telegraph