HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-CCITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
June 1, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER
WASHINGTON
DRAFT MINUTES
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, located on
the first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee members
present were: Chairman Rich Wagner, Vice-Chair Gene Cerino, and Member Sue Singer. Also
present during the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, City
Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Senior Project
Engineer Bill Helbig, Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, Engineering Aide Amber Mund, Assistant
Planning Director Kevin Snyder, Senior Planner Chris Andersen, Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting,
Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Traffic Engineer Pablo Para, Street Systems Engineer Seth
Wickstrom, Maintenance and Operations Manager Randy Bailey, Farmers' Market Manager Lillie
Brinker, Parking Control Attendant Bob Young, Associate City Attorney Allison Stanhope, Citizen
Wayne Osborne, and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Member Singer asked if the specific policy changes regarding truck route closures and rezoning
that were recommended at the previous Public Works Committee Meeting will be included in
the minutes. It was decided by the Committee, on next review of the Transportation Plan Policy
Updates, changes suggested by the Committee at the May 18, 2009 Public Works Committee
Meeting will be verified.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date, May 18, 2009.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. APPROVE RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 09-14 FOR MOHAWK NORTHERN PLASTICS
INC.
Vice-Chair Cerino asked if the 5-year permit will affect the A/B Street Corridor Project.
Engineering Aide Mund stated the permit should not affect the corridor because the conditions
state the applicant is responsible for removing the rail spur or storm line if conditions on A
Street change.
Member Singer asked why the permit is only for five years and about the cost to the applicant.
Mund responded the fee for the 5-year permit is $320.00.
Chairman Wagner asked the Committee for ideas on how the City can provide oversight for
facilities in the Right-of-Way and extend the length of the permit beyond five years. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding the
inspection process for the existing rail spur and storm line.
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Vice-Chair Cerino stated he is in favor of the 5-year expiration because in five years time there
may be a new City Council that wants to initiate new policy.
Chairman Wagner asked what the administrative cost for the City is to renew the permits.
Mayor Lewis stated Finance will need to review the cost and present the cost to the Committee.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 09-14 for Mohawk Northern Plastics Inc.
Motion carried 3-0.
C. APPROVE RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 09-15 FOR AUBURN FARMERS MARKET
Engineering Aide Mund explained to the Committee the Farmers' Market has requested to
close the south bound lane of B Street SW between West Main Street and the south side of the
transit parking lot on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m., beginning June 14, 2009 and ending
September 27, 2009. Mund stated the parking lot can still be accessed on the north side and
can be exited off of B Street SW on to West Main Street.
Chairman Wagner asked how drivers will be directed to the parking garage. Farmers' Market
Manager Brinker answered there will be signs directing people to the garage.
It was move by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 09-15 for Auburn Farmers' Market.
Motion carried 3-0.
III. ISSUES °
There are no Issues for Committee action.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6239 AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 17 (SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE AUBURN
CITY CODE
Senior Planner Andersen gave a brief explanation of how the code update project is broken into
phases. Phase 1 was focused on the residential portions of the zoning code, Title 17 and Title
18, the Subdivision Code. At the beginning of May, a Planning Commission Public Hearing was
held and public input was received on the proposed amendments. The Planning Commission
approved the recommendation of the amendments and that they move forward to Council. The
Planning and Community Development Committee has met to consider the Planning
Commission recommendations and provide further recommendations. The amendments to
Title 17 and Title 18 are now being brought forward to the Public Works Committee and City
Council.
Chairman Wagner asked for a summary of the major concept changes.
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Andersen reported in both Titles the chapters have been reorganized and in some cases,
renamed. Both titles also include an introduction and overview of what the titles do and how to
use them. There is a new section in 17.02 that provides for common application requirements
which is then referenced by subsequent chapters. Senior Planner Andersen explained the
addition of a new chapter that provides for a boundary line elimination.
A section in Title 17 dealt with density calculation and recognition and the zoning code is being
migrated from a minimum lot size based approach to a density based approach, leading to the
addition of a section explaining how density is calculated.
Andersen stated other key concepts include a new binding sight plan approval process in Title
17 and the requirements for a neighborhood circulation plan for plats. The Committee
discussed the provisions for cluster subdivision. The provisions for clustering outside of
designated Urban Separators are being further reviewed by the Planning and Community
Development Committee. Chairman Wagner commented on the issues involved in clustering
outside of Urban Separators. Assistant Planning Director Snyder stated another issue being
addressed is how to address the potential for active open space in a cluster subdivision. Senior
Planner Andersen answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding clustering and the
reduction of lot sizes to accommodate the target density.
Member Singer asked if section 17.26 is on the Council Agenda. Andersen answered that the
section is on the agenda but has been revised and the portion dealing with areas outside the
Urban Separators has been removed. Andersen said the provisions for clustering within the
Urban Separators have been written consistent with the current requirements for lot averaging
in Urban Separator areas on Lea Hill.
The Committee gave support to the proposed amendments.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 6245 AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 18 (ZONING) OF THE AUBURN CITY
CODE AND CITY OF AUBURN COMPREHENSIVE ZONING MAP
Senior Planner Andersen stated in Title 18 discussion about how density is calculated and
concepts of base density and minimum density have been included. Andersen stated one of
the points of discussion was whether or not critical areas and/or buffers should be included in
calculating density. The determination of the Planning and Community Development
Committee was the buffers can be used for calculating base density, but not the critical areas.
Chairman Wagner commented there is still no building in the buffer but it can be used for base
density calculations.
Andersen continued, one of the new concepts is the additional requirements for neighborhood
review meetings for large residential or mixed use projects.
The concept of cottage housing was also initially included, but has been removed for further
discussion by the Planning and Community Development Committee.
The Committee discussed the development of design standards for mixed use and multi-family
housing. A new section in Title 18 has been created to authorize the standards and the
Planning and Community Development Committee is currently working on their development.
Andersen Title 18 amends the zoning classifications. Using an updated zoning map, Assistant
Planning Director Snyder explained the zones and colors have not changed but the
classifications have.
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Chairman Wagner stated there has been rigorous analysis of the changes. Snyder described
the special meetings that have been held to work on the project.
The Committee gave support to the proposed amendments.
C. M STREET NE/HARVEY ROAD AND 8T" STREET NE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT -
TRAFFIC IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION
Project Engineer Sweeting gave a PowerPoint presentation about the M Street NElHarvey
Road and 8th Street NE Project. The presentation included background information about the
project, traffic impacts during construction, and road closure options.
Sweeting demonstrated the project location, M Street NE between 4th Street NE and 8th Street
NE, the intersection at 8th Street NE and Harvey Road, and 8th Street. Sweeting reviewed the
scope of the project which includes the addition of an eastbound right turn lane on to 8th Street
NE, widening of M Street NE from 4th Street NE to 8th Street NE to four lanes, replacing worn
and damaged roadway, replacement of curb, gutters, and sidewalks, replacement of failing
storm and sewer systems, and replacement of old water meters.
Chairman Wagner asked if the roadway is being brought to truck standards. Sweeting
answered the intersection is designed to accommodate the anticipated truck and bus traffic
currently using and projected to use the roadway. The types of truck used in design were
typically the shorter, delivery type of trucks. Sweeting answered questions asked by the
Committee regarding the road design and the future truck route classification of M Street NE.
Project Engineer Sweeting reviewed the funding for the project. The project is mostly funded
through a Public Works Trust Fund Loan. Additional funding from arterial streets and utilities
are also being used.
The project design and Right-of-Way acquisition are currently being completed. In June and
July 2009, Puget Sound Energy will be relocating power poles and from August to November
2009 construction is anticipated to take place. Sweeting pointed out the project schedule is
dependant on the Committee's approval to advertise the project, which will be requested at the
next Public Works Committee Meeting, June 15, 2009.
Project Engineer Sweeting answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the
undergrounding of the electric_power. Since the lines include transmission lines, there is not a
significant benefit to the City to underground the distribution lines as the poles will remain after
the project.
Project Sweeting reviewed the construction traffic impacts. Sweeting stated there will be two
way traffic with intermittent lane restrictions and delays on 8'h Street NE. Assistant City
Engineer Gaub answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the ability to control
the left turn movements and through traffic moving up Lea Hill and indicated that flagging of the
intersection may be necessary at times.
Sweeting explained the work being done in the intersection includes rewiring of the signal. This
increases the possibility of the signal functions being impacted and so this work will be
completed on the weekend, to lessen impact on commuter traffic if a signal is impacted and
needs to be switched to flash mode.
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During the paving and sidewalk replacement on M Street NE and 8th Street NE, there will be
two way traffic with intermittent lane restrictions and delays.
Project Engineer Sweeting presented the traffic options for the utility replacement on M Street
NE. Sweeting stated the original expectation was to maintain two open lanes of traffic during
the construction however as the design is being finalized, staff has concerns it may not be
possible for the sewer line installation on M Street NE, between 4th Street NE and 6th Street NE.
This issue is that the sewer lines are 10 feet deep and the soil conditions are such that the
trench may start caving in causing the trench to widen and may present a safety hazard. There
are also other utilities, such as a 6-inch high pressure gas line and the diagonal side sewer
connections that would cause traffic delays and backups.
The first option for M Street NE is a partial closure of the southbound lane to through traffic and
an open northbound lane. The estimated maximum closure period is 12 weeks and the
minimum, with a contractor incentive, is 9 weeks. Chairman Wagner asked what the incentive
will cost. Sweeting answered approximately $50,000.00. The advantage of a partial closure is
the reduced need for detour routes. The disadvantages the southbound lanes will be closed
when school starts in September, traffic delays on detour routes, the northbound traffic will be
subject to unexpected delays due to the complications of the side sewer connections, there
could be a greater potential for safety concerns because there will be traffic near an open
trench, and there will be increased temporary surfacing and traffic control costs. Using and
aerial map, Sweeting answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding the proposed
detour routes.
The second option is a full closure of both the north and southbound lanes on M Street NE.
Sweeting said the maximum anticipated closure period is 5 weeks. Representatives from
Green River Community College indicated to staff that their attendance and class schedule is
reduced significantly during the moth of August for this year. If the permission to advertise for
the project is granted at the next Public Works Committee Meeting, the road would be
reopened by Labor Day, before Green River Community College and the other local schools
open. The closure period could be made shorter, with the same contractor incentives as the
first option. The Committee reviewed the detour routes for a full closure.
Chairman Wagner stated he is in favor of the full closure. Sweeting said, considering the
recent bids on City projects, the incentive may be able to be paid without the need for additional
funding.
The Committee reviewed the location of the closure and detour signage locations using the
aerial map. Sweeting answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding tree removal.
Chairman Wagner asked what changes are taking at the intersection. Sweeting stated the
islands are being modified and a third, right turn, lane will be added.
The Committee supports the full closure of M Street NE, with the contractor incentive. Project
Engineer Sweeting will be bringing permission to advertise the project to the next Public Works
Committee Meeting.
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D. REVIEW SCOPE OF PROJECT NO. CP0904, 2009 CITYWIDE SIDEWALK REPAIR
PROJECT
Street System Engineer Wickstrom presented a map to the Committee highlighting the
locations of the sidewalks being repaired as part of the project. Also included on the map are
sidewalks that will be added to the project if funds are available. The map also shows the 2006
Sidewalk Inventory.
Wickstrom explained the sidewalks are chosen based on their condition and complaints
received from citizens. Also, entire neighborhoods are considered to reduce the need for the
contractor to mobilize through out the City. Chairman Wagner verified no new sidewalks are
being built. Wickstrom answered repairs are being made to existing sidewalks only.
Wickstrom answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the project budget and
the cost to repair the sidewalk. Chairman Wagner requested a matrix showing cost per foot.
E. AMENDING THE CITY PARKING CODE, SECTION 10.36
Transportation Planner Welsh reported staff has been working with the Legal Department and
Auburn Police Department to amend a portion of Section 10.36 of the Auburn City Code as it
relates to stopping, standing, and parking. Welsh stated there are a number of amendments
which are more relevant to police enforcement than traffic engineering. Welsh invited
Committee questions.
Section 10.36.205 - Parkinq and Unlicensed Vehicle: Chairman Wagner asked when towing
takes place following the expiration of license tabs. Parking Control Attendant Young answered
if it is less than 45 days after the tabs have expired, towing takes place 24 hours after a citation,
and if it is after 45 days, towing can take place immediately.
Vice-Chair Cerino asked if tabs expire on an exact day or at the end of the month in which they
expire. Young stated registration and tabs expire on a specific date and the owner does not
have until the end of the month to renew. Young also stated a warning citation is usually issued
within a two week period following expiration. Associate City Attorney Stanhope answered
questions asked by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding court leniency for individuals who forget to put
their new tabs on their vehicle.
Section 10.36.240 - Parkina Method Generallv: Chairman Wagner asked if cars being parked
in the wrong direction on a two-way street are common. Parking Control Attendant Young
responded it is a frequent violation. Young and Transportation Planner Welsh answered
questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the safety concerns that contribute to the
parking violation.
Section 10 36 255 - Obstructinq Post Office Boxes Prohibited: Chairman Wagner stated 15'
may be too generous. Young stated the length is to allow the mail truck to pull toward and
away from the mailboxes. The Committee discussed the length needed for mail delivery.
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Chairman Wagner asked if the curbs will need to be painted. Assistant Director/City Engineer
Selle answered it is staff's intent to not paint the curbs for typical situations but would do so if
requested by the Police Department to help define unclear restricted parking areas. The
Committee discussed painting curbs near cluster mailboxes and near individual mailboxes.
Chairman Wagner recommended the 15' no parking area adjacent to mailboxes be reduced to
10'.
Section 10.36.350 - No Parkina Area - Identification: Chairman Wagner verified the City is not
required to paint no parking areas. Selle confirmed, the City may paint no parking areas.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner about
how the locations for painting are chosen. Chairman Wagner asked if there is a way for
citizens to request the curbs to be painted. Director powdy answered the Citizen Request
Form is used for such requests.
The Committee discussed public education regarding the new parking policies.
Section 10.36.270 Prohibited Parkina Places: Parking Control Attendant Young responded to
questions asked by Chairman Wagner about parking in bicycle lanes. A vehicle parked in such
a way that would force the cyclist to move out of the bicycle lane and into traffic would be a
violation.
Chairman Wagner restated the Committee's recommendations to change 15' to 10' in Section
10.36.255 and generate public notice of the parking changes, especially those related to
parking near mailboxes.
F. CODE UPDATE PROJECT - DESIGN STANDARDS
Traffic Engineer Para reviewed the three sections distributed to the Committee for evaluation.
Para stated there were a few minor changes to Section 10.04, there were no comments on
Section 10.05, and Section 10.06 is new.
10.06.1.1 - Bikewav Classifications
Traffic Engineer Para and Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle provided clarification regarding
Class I Bikeways. Selle stated Class I Bikeways parallel a roadway this gives them a distinction
different from that of park trails. Vice-Chair Cerino commented the Class I Bikeways also have
a buffer between the trail and the roadway.
Chairman Wagner requested staff provide the Committee information that would help the
Committee's understanding of the definition of each class. Traffic Engineer Para said there will
be standards details developed that would provided further clarification.
Member Singer asked if the consultant worked on Section 10.06. Para answered staff made
the revisions with input from the consultant. The consultant primarily collected data regarding
other jurisdictions. Para said the revisions are mostly based on The Guide for Development of
Bicycle Facilities, an ASHTO document referred to by other agencies.
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10.06.1.3.1 - Width
Chairman Wagner asked how many feet will be delineated for striping for bikes. Para
answered a Class III Bikeway would not have a separate striped lane because they are shared
lanes.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner
regarding the bikeways on 21 St Street. Selle reported they are Class II Bikeways and are 5 feet
in width. Staff is recommending the width of Class II Bikeways be increased to 6 feet. Member
Singer commented 5 feet seemed to be adequate. Selle answered the reason staff is
suggesting the width be increased to 6 feet is to provided more space between the travel lane
and cyclists and the curb and cyclists with allowances for the width of the channelization.
10.06.2 - Bikewavs at Railroad Crossinas
Chairman Wagner asked if staff can designate the surface at crossings. Selle answered the
railroad company makes the designation. Chairman Wagner asked that railroad company
responsibility be included in the standards.
The Committee discussed the markings on the roadway as bikeways approach intersections.
Traffic Engineer Para stated the marking guidelines are included in the current standard for
roadway striping. Member Singer asked if there are standards that cover the marking of
hazards on the bikeways. Member Singer referenced a bikeway on Lea Hill, 105th Place SE,
with an abrupt end. Selle answered new facilities would have a warning sign.
Mayor Lewis asked the Committee and staff think about installing signs on bikeways at
intersections where there is no signalized crossing or where riders must turn to have access to
a crossing.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle requested Committee feedback on transit stops. The
Committee discussed reviewing the use of pull outs for transit and school buses.
Transportation Planner Welsh stated King County Metro has specific standards for pull outs
which can be provided to the Committee. Traffic Engineer Para spoke about some of the
advantages of using pull outs. The Committee and staff discussed the affect pull outs have on
bus schedules.
Transportation Planner Welsh asked the Committee to consider standards for benches,
shelters, and lighting during review. Welsh reviewed the King County Metro Standards for
lighting at transit stops with the Committee. Chairman Wagner suggested a preference for
locating street lights near bus stops be included in the Design Standards or Comprehensive
Plan.
Chairman Wagner asked if the operations of the transit stops are included in the Design
Standards. Selle answered the physical improvements to the stops are included, but no
prescriptions for maintenance. The Committee asked that the transit agency's maintenance
responsibility be mentioned in the Design Standards or Comprehensive Plan.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding
the landscape strips and sidewalk standards.
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G. LEGISLATIVE REPORT* (Dowdy)
Director powdy presented a memo regarding a briefing by Doug Levy at the South County Area
Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting about the 2009 legislative session and the effects on
South King County.
Dowdy reported the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) may be over bonded and with
decrease in revenue from the Gas Tax, cutbacks are being made on offering new grants.
There is no estimate on when there will be grants available for new projects. Also, funds are
being reallocated, taken from projects that are delayed and granted to projects that are ready
for construction. Director powdy also stated the TIB is considering paybacks where agencies
fully fund projects and the TIB pays the money back to the funding agency. The Committee
discussed City projects that have TIB grants which may be delayed for environmental and
additional funding issues.
Dowdy stated the current Public Works Trust Fund grants will be paid, but there will be no more
grants available in the near future.
Director powdy spoke about the State's tolling study on SR 167 to review extending HOT
Lanes. The City has asked the State to keep staff updated on the study. Dowdy stated at the
Transportation Board there is a focus on tolling.
Mayor Lewis answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding TIB grant funds and the
SR 164 Corridor.
The Committee discussed electric vehicles and charging stations.
H. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT* (Helbig)
There were no questions from the Committee about the Capital Project Status Report.
Member Singer asked if staff has had the opportunity to look at the striping on W. Main Street.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated the location will be evaluated and possibly added
to the striping project.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub distributed a list of current and anticipated road closures for the
construction season. Gaub stated the anticipated closure list includes anticipated start and end
dates, which are subject to change. The majority of the closures are part of the Les Gove
Neighborhood Improvement Project.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered questions asked by Mayor Lewis regarding the
closures for the R Street Utility Improvements Project and the M Street NE/ Harvey Road and
8tn Street NE Project.
Chairman Wagner asked if the list included totals for the intersections with intermittent closures.
Gaub answered the list included closures that are a full day or longer and does not include
intermittent or short term (2 to 4 hour) closures.
Chairman Wagner asked if road closures are posted on the City website. Senior Project
Engineer Helbig answered the closures are posted and maps are included.
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V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:01 p.m. .
Approved this day of
Rich Wagner
Chairman
2009.
Jennifer Rigsby
Public Works Department Secretary
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