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the sidewalk as opposed to draining through a weephole at the curbline. When the porch repairs are made, the downspout drains will have to be installed correctly and brought into compliance with current code requirements. Even if the porch isn't repaired the downspout drain problem should be corrected. It appears the drain problem and the porch settlement may be a long term problem as there is grout behind the porch where someone has previously tried to keep water from going between the back of the porch and the basement foundation. The water seeping behind the porch is also causing the dry rot to the house. Finally, there was concern about tree roots pushing on the basement foundation and causing problems to the foundation itself. Our Urban Forester indicates these tree roots could extend all the way to the foundation where they could continue to grow and possibly apply very little pressure to the foundation. When the tree roots were very small they would have most likely routed themselves to run parallel to the foundation rather than extending under it. As I previously mentioned if the roots from these trees are present, we would prune the tree roots at the time the property owner's contractor makes repairs to the porch, the planter box, and downspouts. We would also recommend that any work done include the removal of the 5' X 5' section of concrete in the parking strip. That section of concrete was probably placed there at a time when parking was still allowed on High Street as it would have provided a place for car passengers to step upon when getting out of a parked car. However, since parking is no longer allowed on High Street the concrete should be removed. The property owner's contractor will be required to get a permit when the work is done, and there will need to be a plan in place to realign the drain downspouts. If the current alignment is used, the drains will have to go under the sidewalk and exit through a curb weephole. If cuts are needed at the curbline, our concrete crew could assist the contractor or homeowner. When we talked on the telephone I mentioned that staff from our Wastewater Collection Crew had been on site at this address approximately six months ago. The issue at that time also involved tree roots but in that instance the roots were coming from the second tree north of 8th Street. The property owner had a contractor respond to a plugged sewer but the contractor was unable to break through the plugged line and felt the line was totally broken down. Our crew was able to clear the blockage and televised the service lateral to see if they could find any additional problem. After televising the service lateral, our Wastewater Collections supervisor met with representatives of Bennett Management, showed them the tape, and gave them a copy. When the homeowners of the duplex contract repairs, they should also upgrade the sewer lateral to prevent themselves from having future problems. Hopefully this information will be helpful. If you have additional questions, please contact me at 682 -4800. Sincerely, sitk �. Gene Shutt Maintenance Manager cc: City of Eugene Risk Management Scott Plamondon, Urban Forester