No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-2011 cmroF_ -k:�'* • Public Works Committee December 5, 2011 - 3:30 PM Annex Room 2 ` . wnsH�NCTON MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room #2, located on the second floor of Aubum City Hall, One East Main Street, Auburn, Washington. A. Roll Call Chairman Rich Wagner and Vice-Ghair Bill Peloza were present. Also present during the meeting were: Mayor Pete B. Lewis, Gouncilmember- Elect Wayne Osbome, Councilmember-Elect Largo Wales, Pubiic Works Director.Dennis Dowdy, Ciry Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistanf City Engineer Ingrid Gaub,Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, Traffic Engineer Pablo P,ara Engineering Aide Amber Mund, Traffic Operations EngineerScott Nutter, Transportation/Grants Manager Chris Hankins, GIS & Integration Manager Ashley Riggs, Network Communications Engineer Colin Schmalz, Economic pevelopment Planner Bill Thomas, Construction Manager Larry Dahl, Resource Consenration Manager Deke Jones, Planning Director Kevin Snyder, Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, and Public Works Secretary Jennifer Rigsby. Member Virginia Haugen arrived iate. Members of the public in attendance included: Michael Weinstein from Urban Innovations Group. B. Announcements There were no announcements. C. Agenda Modifications. There were no modifications_to the agenda. II. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Peloza moved and Councilmember Wagner seconded to approve the Public Works Committee Meeting minutes for date, November 21, 2011. Page 1 of 10 Motion Carried Unanimously. 2-0. Those absent Haugen . III. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. UIG Applied Energetics - Aubum Street Light Pilot Project (M. Weinstein) Chairman Wagner introduced Michael Weinstein of Urban Innovations Group (UIG). Mr. Weinstein reported that UIG is currently working with multiple cities on LED street lighting concepts. Mr. Weinstein provided some background information about work that UIG is doing with the City of Mountlake Terrace. Director powdystated thaYhe would be the point of contact with UIG if the City of Auburn wereto move forward with an LED street light pilot project, in response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner. Mr. Weinstein reviewed the expenses related to the Ci.ty street lights, inciuding electricity payments. Mr. Weinstein sfated that it is difficult to calculate the cost forCity staff, vehicles, and equipmerit for street light maintenance. A further complication is that the charges for the City's electricity use comes from multiple "rate schedules." Mc. Weinstein stated that the charge for the lights owned and maintained by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is significantly higfier than that for those owned and maintained by the City. Mr. Weinstein used an example from the:City of Mountlake Terrace to show how that city created an inventory of their sireet lights. Mr. Weinstein spoke about the importance of determining what is included in a street light system. Chairman Wagner asked if a city can make the decision unilaterally to take over all of the PSE owned street lights. Mr. VNeinstein answered that the city would have to negotiate with the power provider and/or current owner of the lights. Chairman Wagner asked what success UIG has hacl with these negotiations with other cities and the power provider. Mr. Weinstein stated that they are in process. Mr. Weinstein responded to questionsasked by Vice-Chair Peloza regarding how it is determined whether o� not a street light is metered. Director powdy stated that when Maintenance and Operations staff complete work oriiers on a given day, tliey usually include rimultiple tasks, in response to a question asked by Chairman 1Nagner regarding the City's ability to distinguish costs associated with street lighting from other work. Mr. Weinstein discussed the improvements that have been made in LED technology. Chairman.Wagner verified that there are locations where the Page 2 of 10 Councilmembers and City staff �uid go to look at the LED street lights to obsenre their performance. Mr. Weinstein stated that UIG is working with other jurisdictions on in-house systems that will identify street light outages and more effectively deal with maintenance. Mr. Weinstein reviewed'the benefits from use of LED lights. Mr. Weinstein and the Committee discussed how the pilot project could be financed. Assistant DirectodCity Engineer Selle explained that if the City owned lights were converted to LED then there would be apotential savings however just under half of the City's street light system is owned by PSE. If PSE does not converttheir lights, the City will not see a cost savings forthose lights that the City pays for, which are owned by PSE. Assistant Director/City Enginee�Selle pointed out that there is also no credit for the installation of LED lights in the flat rafe sfreet lights. Assistant DirectodCity Engineer Selle estimated that it would cost approximately $1,000.00 per City-owned, metered, street light to convert 41iem to LED for an estimated total of$12M and that would probably yield approximately $16,000.00 in power savings per year. Mr. Weinstein responded that in Mountlake Terrace, UIG plans on working with the power proVide�to re-lamp all of tfie streetlights in the system and then going on to different rate schedules based on the savings that the city gets. Mr. Weinstein answered questions asked 6y Chairman Wagner regarding the negotiations with the power provider. Director powdy addressed Vice-Chair Peloza questions regarding the reluctance of PSE to convert the street lights they own to LED lights. The Committee and staff discussed whether or not it would be worthwhile to start calcwlations on benefits considering UTC regulations may change soon to create a rate for 6ED lights. The Committee discu"ssed whether or not to recommend completing a street Iight inventory. Directorpowdy pointed out that staff has been working with PSE to complete a more accurate inyentory of the City's lighting system. PSE is going to provide the City with their inventory maps and Director powdy said that.once staff evaluated 3he data, staff will be better prepared to present the Committee with a better estimate of the funds needed to complete the inyentory and complete field work. Page 3 of 10 Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle reviewed the work that has already been completed in the inventory of the street light system. Mr. Weinstein responded to a question asked by Member Haugen regarding insects being less attracted to LED lights. Chairman Wagner stated that he supports City staff completing an in-house low-level inven#ory, as explained by Director powdy and Assistant Director/City Engineer Selie, and PSE negotiation approach until the UTC regulations are determined. The Committee agreed. B. 2011 Phase II Code Update - Grouping 1 (Chamberlain) Planning Commission Recommendation on Amendments to Title 18 - Zoning, Related to Parking Regulations, Landscaping Regulations, Administrative Variance Process, and Outdoor Lighting Standards. The Committee and staff reviewed specific portions of the recommendations. Section 18.50.045— Preservation of significant trees. Chairman Wagner asked why the word "shall" was used in the first seMence of letter A instead of"encourage" or "strive to." Planning Manger Chamberlain answered that the landscaping chapter is currently ambiguous as to keeping significant trees so staff has structures the code that if a site can keep the significant. tree within the requi�ed perimeterlandscaping, then they "shall" do so'but if it does not make sense for building construction then that significant tree can come out. Chairman Wagner stated that he is concerned with the wording due to the possibility of failed root systems creating the need to remove significant trees. Chairman Wagnersuggested more work be done to make sure people are not keeping trees that may be a danger. Planning Manager Chamberlain will take the Committee's comments back to the Planning and Community Development Committee for consideration. Planning Manager Chamberlain answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Peloza regarding the relocation of the definitions that were located at the beginning of the section. Vice-Chair Peloza asked if there are specific codes that address native trees and sidewalks. Assistant DirectorlCity Engineer Selle answered that the code is addressing private property and there are design standards for trees inthe public Right-of-Way. Planning Manager Chamberlain responded to questions asked by Member Haugen regarding the protection of trees during construction. Planning Manager Chamberlain pointed out the section of the code that Page 4 of 10 addresses the use of plants; in response to a question asked by Member Haugen. Table 18.52.020—Off,Street Parking Requirementsby Land Use. Chairman Wagner asked if any consideration was given to cul-de-sacs as they relate to when the code was being updated. CHamberlain answered that the table deals with primarily commercial and/or industrial off-street parking and residential is included,to require two off street parking spaces on a single family lot. Chairman Wagner questioned whether two parking spaces are enough and asked thaf the Pianning and Community Development Committee consider his question. Table 18.52A25 —Accessibie Parking Spaces Required. Chairman Wagner asked why the number of accessible parking spaces required is not related to the use of the 6uilding or land use. Chamberlain answered that the table comes from the International Buiiding Code ADA Parking Standards. Table 18.52.030 — Parking Quantity Restrictions. Planning Manager Chamberiain answered a question asked by Chai�man Wagner regarding the requireriments for Valet Service. Section 18.52.050— Parking Design, Development, and Maintenance Standards. Chairman Wagner verified that there is a requirement for an amount of concrete to be between the City Right-of-Way and the property site, for properties with gravel driveways. Planning Manager Chamberlain addressed questions asked Chairman Wagner regarding off-street loading in the Dow,ntown Area. Assistant Director/City EngineerSelle stated that in the Downtown Area on-street loading conditions were being discussed. Chainberlain confirmed that it has been discussed but nothing has been decided on. Section 10J0.015— Administrative Variance. Chairmarr Wagner suggested more oversight be provided by the Council in cases of buildings being developed if the build'ing is oversix stories,in height. Chairman Wagner asked if decorative lighting was addressed in the update. Planning Manager Chamberlain answered that decorative lighting was not included.:Chairman Wagne"rsuggested the Planning Director review any decorative I'igh#ing for appropriateness. Member Haugen agreed with Chairman Wagner suggestion. MayorLewissuggested encouraging decorative lighting while acknowledging the need to respecYthe Cify's carbon foofprint. Planning Manager Ghamberlain answered questions asked by Chairman 1Nagner regarding parking accesses. Page 5 of 10 The Committee and staff discussed the use of draught resistant piants and native trees. C. Ordinance No. 6381 (Mund) An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, Vacating Right-of-Way of 8th Street NE, West of A Street NE, within the City of Auburn, Wastiington There were no questions from the Committee. The Committee supports introduction and adoption of Resolution No. 6381. D. Resolution No. 4777 (Dowdy) A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, Declaring Certain Items of Property as Surplus and Authorizing Their Disposal Director powdy reported that there were problems with the transmission locking up on the grader and it had to be towed on and off of its trailer and that is why staff is surplusing the item. The Committee supports the adoption of Resolution No. 4777. . E. 2012-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (Para/Hankins) Transportation PlannedGrants Manager Hankins explained that following the discussion at the Committee meeting, the TIP will go back to the Planning and Community Development,Committee for action. Chairman Wagner asked about why Lea:Hill and Kersey Way are not on the list of Projec[s of Regional Significance. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins answered that the Projects of Regional Significance is driven by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) and their definitions and include primar'ily muiti-jurisdictional projects. TIP #8—A Street NW Phase 2 —Chairman Wagner suggested that staff and the Committee Jook to fundthe design of this project sooner, as well as others, so the City is in a better position to apply for grants and loans to fund the projects. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle verified that the goal is to develop a good enough cost estimate so the City can go out and secure funding. TIP #12— Grade-Separation Crossing of BNSF Railyard —Traffic Engineer Para stated that the $1 M is the design money in response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle commented on the expense of pre-design for the project. Mayor Lewis suggested some exploratory work on th'e project be done. Page 6 of 1U TIP #33 —Traffic Calming Imorovements—Vice-Chair Peloza asked'if the past, redflex revenues have lieen expended. Traffic Engineer Para stated that they were. TIP #65 — Lea'Hiil Segment 2 (104th Avenue SE to 1'42th Avenue SE) — Vice-Chair Peloza asked if this projecYand TIP #66 included imp�ovements to Lea Hill Road and a bridge. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins confirmed that to 6e correct. Chairman Wagner stated that if the bond issue is passed, he will expect some pre-design work to be done on both projects sooner then shown in the TIP. TIP #26 — Metro Shuttle: Auburn Community and Lakeland Shuttle— Director powdy responded that the current contract ends-in 2013 in response to a question asked by Vice-Chair Peloza. TIP #54— Kersey Way Study—Traffic Engineer Para answered questions asked 6y Chairman.Wagner regarding the high level planning estimate for 4he project. TIP #29-S 277th Wetland Mitigation—Assistant DirectoNCity Engineer Selle reviewed the scope of the project, 'in response to a question asked by Vice-Chair Peloza. TIP#46— 104th Ave SE & Green River Road Studv—Assistarrt Director/City Engineer Selle stated thafthis:study will look at the alternatives to address the sight distance issues at the intersection. � Traffic Engineer Para explained that the Council Transportation Priority Matrix includes the cost for engineering staff, in response to a question asked by Chairman 1Nagner. The Committee and staff reviewed the Financial Constraint & Fund Balance Summary. The Committee and staff reviewed the Program Project Summary as follows: Chairman Wagner suggested making TIB #4 a higher priority due to the RPG Development Agreement. Chairman Wagner stated that design money needs to be added to TIP #8 and move construction up to 2015. Chairman Wagner asked that TIP #54 be moved into 2012 because the Council gave a high priority to Kersey Way at the Council Retreat. Traffic Engineer Para stated that the project has b_een reallocated.to 2012.but this . Page 7 of 10 change was not yet reflected in the Project Summary spreadsheet. The Committee and Mayor Lewis discussed the Gity's guardrail _ _ projects. Traffic Engineer Para pointed out that there is no guardrail specific project and that those projects fall under;safety improvements. Staff will bring their safety improvement recommendations to the Committee. Chairman Wagner asked that it be indicated separately if the grants have been applied for or will be applied for. F. Resolution No. 4769 (Para/Hankins) A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Aubum, Washington, Setting the Time and Date for A Public Hearing Before the City Council on the 2012-2017 Transportation Improvement Program The Committee supported the adoption of Resolution No. 4769. G. Construction and Special Permit Fees (Gaub) Assistant City Engineer Gaub distributed a hand out outlining the Permit Fee Recommendations for 2012. Director powdy explained that staff is recommending an adjustment to the Construction Permit and Special Permit fees to help recapture the City's labor costs. Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that there has not been an increase to these permit fees since 2009. Assistant City Engineer Gaub reviewed the calculations for Special Permit fees with the Committee. Gaub explained that with the current ADA requirements for slope_s and grades of driveways there is more City inspection time required, which is why the increase issignificant for residential driveways. Chairman Wagner statedthat he believes the fee increases are justified. The Committee and staff discussed the importance of being able to demonstrate that the fee increases are related to cost recovery. Assistant City Engineer Gaub responded to questionsasked by Member Haugen regarding the'increase of the fees in 2009. Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that#he increases will be brought back to the Committee on December 19,2011 for action. H. Capital Project Status Aeport (Gaub) Item 13 — C207A—A Street NW Corridor— Phase 1 : Chairman Wagner Page 8 of 10 asked aboui the status of the Post Office parking lot. Assistant City Engineer Gaub answer thaTthe fence along the west side of the Post Office property has been removed by the Post Office. Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that the last information received 6y staff is that the lot improvements will begin in March 2012. Gaub stated that the portion of A Street NW beiween 3rd Street and 5th Street will be constructed at the end of the month, but not open to through traffic, in response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner. Item 17— C201 A— M Street Underpass Project Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that the pipe being installed on M Street currently is for high pressure gas, in response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner. Gaub explained that Puget Sound Energy (FSE) is relocating the high pressure gas line so the line will be deep enough to be underneath the final roadway of the underpass. Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered questions asked by Member Haugen regarding the depth of the pipeline. Item 23— CP1112—2011 Sidewalk Improvement: Assistant City Engineer Gaub explained that there is not a lot of design work required to complete this project but staff is spending time field locating the sections in need of repair and calcula4ing th�e quantities. Gau6 stated that staff is also noting if any of the wheelchair ramps need to be replaced adjacent to where sidewalks will be replaced. Assistant City EngineerGaub said that construction will not start untii late February or early March 2012. Vice-Chair Peloza asked when the Committee will be presented with a _ project vicinity map.,Gaub answered that the committee previously approved the general locations for the project and a vicinity map will come forward with the next project action. Item 24— CR1120—Lea�HiII.Safe Routes to Schools: Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said that ttie City works with the schooi district and citizens to help develop the list of improvements to apply for safe routes to schools grants, in response to a questiorr asked by Member Haugen. Selle explained that in this case,tFie City partnered with the school district and was successful is securing a grant to make improvements to the Lea Hill route. Item 29 —Auburn Way S and M Street SE Intersection Imorovements: Assistant Director/City'Engineer Selle expiained that there are still no design and construction funds dedicated to this project. Page 9 of 10 IV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Approved this 19th day of December, 2011. � ���. Rich Wag�rer Rigs Chairman P�tic Works Qepartrnent ry Rage 10 of 10