HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-CW
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WASHINGTON
CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
June 16, 2008
DRAFT MINUTES
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm 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 Virginia Haugen.
Also present during the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Director Dowdy, City
Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Senior Project
Engineer Bill Helbig, Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, Transportation Manager Laura Philpot, Planning
Director Cindy Baker, Economic Development Manager Dave Baron, Principal Planner Jeff Dixon,
Construction Manager Larry Dahl, Project Engineer Fritz Timm, Project Engineer Leah Dunsdon,
Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Street Systems Engineer Seth Wickstrom, Engineering Aide
Amber Mund, Debra Scheibner, P.E., King County River and Floodplain Management Unit, Water
and Land Resources Division, William Garney, Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Seattle District, Gene Scott, Project Lead, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District,
Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date, June 2, 2008. Motion carried.
B. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 08-08 FOR KING COUNTY HAUL ROUTE FOR THE
DYKSTRA LEVEE REHABILITATION PROJECT AND GALLIS LEVEE REHABILITATION
PROJECT
Engineering Aide Mund summarized Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 08-08 for the Committee.
King County applied for a right-of-way use permit for a haul route for work they are doing on the
Galli's and Dykstra Levees. A map of the approved haul route, updated from the proposed
route, was distributed to the Committee.
Chairman Wagner requested Mund review the special conditions of the permit with the
Committee. Engineering Aide Mund reported conditions one through five are conditions which
generally apply to all right-of-way use permits and the special conditions which apply specifically
to King County begin at number six. Mund went over special conditions six through ten with the
Committee. Chairman Wagner asked who would be responsible for checking on possible
damage caused by the County's activities during the project, as stated in condition number
nine. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered a City construction inspector will be
monitoring activity noting any damage as well as responding to notices from the County or
residents of damage. Chairman Wagner asked how many trucks would be used for the
projects and about the hauling frequency. William Graney, Project Manager, answered that the
number and size of the trucks is still being negotiated with the contractor and the contract
should be executed later this week. Gene Scott, Project Lead, stated the anticipated frequency
is every five to ten minutes, dependant on routing and could be as many as 220 single trucks
per day. Chairman Wagner asked how the trucks would turn around at the end of 22nd Street
NE. Vice-Chair Cerino responded that the end of 22nd Street NE is a very wide area. Member
Haugen asked if a City project manager would be assigned to oversee the levee projects.
Public Works Committee Minutes June 16, 2008
DRAFT MINUTES
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered a City construction inspector would monitor the
projects because they have experience inspecting these types of project activities.
Debra Scheibner, Project Manager for King County, gave a short presentation, which included
an overview of both the Galli's and Dykstra Levee projects, background information, summary
of flood damages, project construction data, the construction schedule, construction impacts,
and a summary of restoration and public outreach executed by King County.
These two projects are sponsored through the Army Corps of Engineers PL84-99 Levee Repair
Program. The program funds and gives construction and technical support for levee repair
projects. Following inspections by the Corps consultants of the Galli's and Dykstra levees,
significant damage was identified, including sinkholes, toe and bank scour, and several
oversteepened banks, especially on the Galli's, on the up-stream end. The levees protect multi
and single family residential neighborhoods, commercial development around Auburn Way
North, and public infrastructure, such as utilities. Member Haugen asked about the bank scour.
Scheibner answered the bank scour is bank erosion. The total damage site is 650 feet on the
downstream end of Dykstra and the entire Galli's levee is being repair, which is approximately
1,100 feet in length. Scheibner reviewed the levee maps outlining the projects with the
Committee. Member Haugen asked how close the buildings on Riverview Drive NE are to the
water. Scheibner answered the buildings are within 35 to 50 feet of the water.
Scheibner reported the project construction elements will be to re-grade existing bank, re-
establish toe and bank protection, revegetate the under slope, and install anchored large wood
along the toe. The upper sloped will be revegitated following the project, placing top soil on the
upper bank and in Spring 2009 the Corps will complete planting. King County is working with
residents to determine if at the top of the levee will be gravel or grass.
The construction schedule will commence July 1St and run through November 1St. The hours of
construction will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., as per City code.
Scheibner stated most of the property owners have been notified of the permanent fence
relocations, providing a total of 15 feet of construction access between the existing access and
the relocated fences to do long term operation and maintenance on the levees. There will be
temporary fencing at the construction sites in order to prevent public access to the construction
areas.
In terms of public outreach, the County held a Public Meeting, May 6, 2008, letters were sent to
all property owners adjacent to the site in addition to those in the general vicinity who may be
affected by the haul routes. Because the approved haul routes have changed, more letters will
be sent to property owners who may be affected by the new routes to capture the entire
neighborhood. The County went door-to-door to every house on both projects to talk to tenants
in case property owners had not contacted them. Letters were left for residents who were not
home. Scheibner stated residents had concerns about access to the river and obstruction of
their view.
Another element of the site-by-site evaluation is documenting the buildings adjacent to the
project. The County would also like to document the current condition of the streets on the haul
route. This documentation will provide a baseline condition on both the roads and buildings.
The Committee asked questions regarding the responses the County received from the
residents when the public outreach was conducted. Scheibner answered the residents did have
concerns about the relocation of fences but most residents were glad the levees were being
repaired, enhancing the flood protection. Residents also had concerns about the vegetation
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DRAFT MINUTES
being used in the project. The biggest concern is the possible obstruction of the view of the
river. King County will be able to do selective pruning to provide residents with some
viewpoints.
Chairman Wagner asked if there were any summer school programs being held at the middle
school during the time the County will be hauling. Scheibner responded the school
administration would need to be contacted to find out about summer programs. Vice-Chair
Cerino stated the only entrance affected by the routes would be the main entrance, which is
only used for bus service, and that there are three alternative entrances at the school.
Member Haugen asked if the County has communicated to property owners the importance and
stabilizing properties of the vegetation being used for the project. Scheibner confirmed that the
County had communicated with individual property owners. Project Manager Garney stated
that trees were primarily planted to work with the National Environmental Protection Act and the
two species of fish that are endangered in the river. He stated the Corps, the County, and the
City all had some responsibility to make sure shade is provided for the river.
Scheibner asked the Committee about the major arterial streets and how to monitor damage,
since Auburn Way North and 15th Street currently have a lot of truck traffic. Mayor Lewis
answered that details regarding monitoring of arterial and local streets can be worked out with
Director Dowdy.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 08-08 for the King County haul route for the Dykstra and Galli's
Rehabilitation Projects. Motion carried.
Director Dowdy requested a 15 minute recess. Chairman Wagner approved the request and
called a 15 minute recess at 4:03 p.m.
Chairman Wagner called the meeting back to order at 4:21 p.m.
C. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR PROJECT NO. CP0811, 2008 ARTERIAL PAVEMENT
PATCHING
Project Engineer Timm responded to Chairman Wagner's question about the hatching indicated
on map number four. Director Dowdy confirmed the project is scheduled to open bids on the
10th of July. Director Dowdy asked for the Committee's concurrence to bring forward at the next
meeting a request for the Council to give the Mayor authority to award this contract. This would
allow a faster turn around for the contract execution and provide more appropriate weather to
complete this work during the summer months. The Committee agreed.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to advertise for project no. CP0811, 2008 Arterial
Pavement Patching. Motion carried.
D. PERMISSION TO ENTER INTO CONSULTANT AGREEMENT AG-C-336 WITH THE
TRANSPO GROUP INC FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PROJECT NO. CP0901, 2009
LOCAL STREET PAVEMENT PRESERVATION
Chairman Wagner asked how many miles were included in the project. Street Systems
Engineer Wickstrom answered approximately 2 miles of mostly rebuilds. Wagner asked if the
budget reflected the cost of the rebuilds. Wickstrom confirmed that it does and the cost
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estimates were conservative. Wagner asked how much of the total cost is required to get to
the final design. Wickstrom responded the contract would need to be negotiated to confirm the
costs. Wickstrom responded to additional questions from the Committee regarding the project
budget.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated a consultant will be working to assist in reviewing
the streets in detail and help determine which streets are complete rebuilds verses overlays.
This will help define the cost and the design contract. The Committee and Street Systems
Engineer Wickstrom continued discussion about the budget and the percent of cost of design
verses the percent of cost for construction.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, the Committee recommend
Council grant permission to enter into consultant agreement AG-C-336 with the Transpo Group
Inc for engineering services for project no. CP0901, 2009 Local Street Pavement Preservation.
Motion carried.
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4356 ESTABLISHING AN ADOPT-A-STREET/SPOT PROGRAM
Engineering Aide Mund presented Resolution No. 4356 to the Committee. Mund explained that
upon adoption of the resolution, citizens in Auburn would be able to adopt a street or spot and
perform litter removal. The City would then pick up and dispose of the bagged litter. Chairman
Wagner asked for clarification on Item J, page 4, of Exhibit A. Mund responded that the item
refers to the general liability insurance. The Mayor confirmed.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, the Committee recommend
the Council adopt Resolution No. 4356 establishing an Adopt-a-Street/Spot Program. Motion
carried.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. WEST VALLEY TIB GRANT
Transportation Manager Philpot reported Director Dowdy asked staff to research the scope of
repair work that could be completed on West Valley Highway with $2 million, in lieu of accepting
the TIB grant and using the $2 million as match funds. Philpot provided a memo to the
Committee describing the current conditions on West Valley Highway, between Highway 18 and
West Main Street. The roadway is two lanes, one lane in each direction. There is a signal with
left turn lanes, both with short turn pockets. There is a traffic signal that the City maintains at
West Main Street and West Valley Highway, which was installed in 1968. The signal does not
have left turn phasing from the north-south direction.
Philpot explained the scope of work that was included in the TIB grant. The scope includes
widening the roadway, improving median vehicle separation, and adding curb gutter and storm
drainage. Philpot stated there were drainage problems primarily caused by existing springs on
the hills to the west, which keeps the roadway's subbase wet year-round. Maintenance crews
are in the area every 3 days repairing pot holes. The grant project also includes repairing the
failing roadway surface. Two-thirds of the cost of repairing the roadway is to bring the roadway
up to passenger car standards, the other on-third of the cost is to bring the roadway up to
accommodate current truck traffic. Installation of a sidewalk, street lighting, and reconstruction
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of the signal light at West Main Street and West Valley Highway are also included in the grant
project. Philpot discussed the benefits of the grant project, as outlined in the memo.
Vice-Chair Cerino asked if the traffic signals at Peasley Canon and at the Highway 18 ramp
were under City control. Philpot responded that they were not but staff is trying to work with the
State to coordinate those signals with the City of Auburn signals.
Chairman Wagner asked if, when the bicycling facility along West Valley Highway is created,
there be a fog line. Philpot answered that there would be a fog line, however there would be no
markings indicating a bike lane. The shoulder would be considered a bike route and not
marking it as a bike lane will help discourage inexperienced cyclists and young riders from
using the lane. Chairman Wagner asked if the shoulder along Auburn Black Diamond Road
was 3 feet wide. Philpot answered that it is 2-3 feet in width.
Transportation Manager Philpot continued to define the benefits of the TIB grant project and
how it addresses the problems on West Valley Highway.
Philpot discussed funding, explaining that $630,000 in traffic mitigation fees are available, and
how those funds differ from traffic impact fees. Philpot stated that storm drainage utility funds
could potentially be used due to the storm drainage work that was included in the project. This
would require policy direction by Council because it could have an impact on Storm Utility fees.
Director Dowdy and Finance Director Coleman have discussed this possibility.
Transportation Planner Philpot explained the improvements which could be made using just the
$2 million and stated making repairs to the roadway alone would cost more than $2 million.
Vice-Chair Cerino asked if the proposed sidewalk could be installed without acquiring additional
property. Philpot stated additional land would be necessary for the sidewalk to be installed, but
the City Sewer utility owns the affected property. Chairman Wagner commented on the amount
of storm drainage work included in the project. Director Dowdy stated that the springs on the
hillside makes this storm drainage challenge unique, as it is ground water and not storm runoff.
Dowdy explained to the Committee how the funds might be budgeted for this project and future
projects.
The Committee agreed that the benefits of accepting the TIB grant were greater than not
accepting the grant funds and that cost sharing the grant with Traffic Mitgation and Storm Utility
capital funds would be preferred.
B. FULMER PARK ANGLE PARKING
Engineering Aide Mund stated at a neighborhood meeting there was a request to add parking
at Fulmer Park. The proposal is to add 25 angled parking stalls on 5`h Street NE. This would
be a gain of 10 to 12 parking spaces. Chairman Wagner asked about cost. Transportation
Manager Philpot responded that cost would be minimal. Primarily in-house crews would be
doing the work, relocating the fence, grading out the area, and striping the stalls. The Parks
Department is in support of the angled stalls. Member Haugen asked if it would be obvious to
drivers that the stalls are to be parked at an angle. Mund responded the striping would make it
apparent. Philpot added that there would also be a center stripe down the street, providing
traffic calming effects.
The Committee discussed the width and length of the proposed stalls. The stalls are 9 feet in
width and 30 feet in length, the angle is 30 degrees.
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The Committee supports the proposed parking stall changes.
C. ORAVETZ ROAD CLOSURE STATUS AND SCHEDULE
Assistant City Engineer Gaub reported Oravetz Road will be closed to complete the final
overlay in the location where the Kersey 3 applicants completed a sewer line installation in
Summer 2007. The closure will be Monday, June 23`d through Friday, June 27th, weather
permitting. If there are delays caused by weather the closure might be extended.
D. KERSEY ROAD CLOSURE REQUEST
Assistant City Engineer Gaub distributed a memo regarding the request to close Kersey Road
for a period of 5 weeks, from July 7th through August 10th. Gaub used an aerial map to explain
the closure and to identify potential concerns with constructing the roadway under traffic. The
closure would close the intersection of 53rd Street SE for three weeks, July 7th through July 25th
Gaub explained the work that is to be done and the benefit of closing the road verses
completing the work under traffic.
To complete the work that needs to be done, the applicants have proposed to have multiple
crews working twelve hours per day, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., 6 days a week.
The Kersey Road closure is scheduled following the Oravetz Road closure and the applicant
has been made aware that the Kersey closure can not begin until Oravetz is reopened. The
Committee and Gaub discussed sign notification and placement.
E. ORDINANCE NO. 6183 ROBERTSON PROPERTIES GROUP-AUBURN GATEWAY
PROJECT, SPECIAL AREA (SUBAREA) PLAN ADOPTION, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEXT
AND MAP CHANGES, ZONING CODE TEXT AND MAP CHANGES, RELATED TO THE NE
AUBURN/ROBERTSON PROPERTIES SPECIAL AREA PLAN
Chairman Wagner explained that the Committee is reviewing Ordinance No. 6183 and action
had been taken by the Planning and Community Development Committee, moving the agenda
bill forward to Council. Wagner requested the Committee to present their questions.
Vice-Chair Cerino asked if the new sign ordinance changes were in effect in the special district.
Principal Planner Dixon stated the sign code being used is the most up to date code, including
the recent electronic message center signs and in terms of sign treatment they will be treated in
a similar manner as the C-3 zone district.
Principal Planner Dixon presented the Committee with an outline of Ordinance No. 6183 and
the support materials. Dixon explained the City has been approached by development at the
north end of the City, at the south side of South 277th Street and the property owners are
interested in pursuing a special area plan. The City has recognized in the Comprehensive Plan
the area would be a future special area plan. In 2003-2004 the City was approached by
Robertson Properties Group, owner of the Valley 6 Drive-In Theater, about development of their
site. The City hired a consultant to undertake the preparation of an Environmental Impact
Statement. The City analyzed three different development scenarios for the site. The final
Environmental Impact Statement was released in July 2004.
Principal Planner Dixon described the support documents the Committee is being asked to
consider. The documents include the Special Area Plan Document, which is a subarea plan of
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the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This plan has its own policies determining how the
area would develop and is a document containing policies, objectives, and an implementation
section. Related to the Special Area Plan there is a change to the City's Comprehensive Land
Use Plan Map. Dixon illustrated the proposed changes using the existing and new maps.
Another support document included in Ordinance No. 6183 are all of the changes to the zoning
code that would implement a new C-4 mixed use commercial zone specifically for the 60-acre
development site. Dixon defined the new C-4 zone for the Committee, highlighting the
differences between the C-4 and existing C-3 zones. Dixon showed the Committee the
proposed changes to the zoning map.
Principal Planner Dixon stated the City has been working with the Robertson Property Group on
a development agreement. The agreement is the document that will prescribe financial
responsibility for certain road and utility improvements.
Dixon discussed the recent changes to the code, as outlined in the agenda bill. The Council is
currently being asked to accept the Comprehensive Plan changes, the zoning changes, and the
Special Area Plan. The Council would need to review a planned action ordinance and
development agreement in the future so they can determine if details about financial
responsibility were addressed to the Council's satisfaction. Dixon pointed out that Section 13 of
the ordinance acknowledges that the zoning changes and Comprehensive Plan changes are
contingent upon execution of a development agreement.
Dixon responded to questions presented by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding existing and future
floodplain management and related development time constraints.
Vice-Chair Cerino moved to support Council adopting Ordinance No. 6183 Robertson Property
Group - Auburn Gateway Project, Chairman Wagner seconded. Member Haugen declined
support.
F. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item No. 10 - C501A - Urban Center Transportation Improvements: Chairman Wagner asked
what work needed to be completed. Senior Project Engineer Helbig answered there is a signal
pole, concrete and sidewalk work that still need to be done at 1st Avenue and Auburn Ave.
Item No. 17 - C504A - R Street SE Utility Improvements: Chairman Wagner asked if there is
an estimated construction start time. Helbig stated if the project is advertised in July as
currently planned, utility work would start in early September and work would continue
depending on weather and soil conditions.
Item No. 21 - CP0634 - 4th Street NE Sewer Force Main: Chairman Wagner asked about the
property owners meeting. Senior Project Engineer Helbig responded that the Mayor's office
was coordinating the meeting.
Item No. 23 - CP0701 - 8th and R Street Traffic Signal: Chairman Wager asked about the
status of the mid-design report. Helbig said the report will be presented to the Committee at the
July 7th Meeting.
Item No. 37 - CP0624 - Well 5 Rehabilitation: Chairman Wagner asked if a consultant was
working on the project. Helbig responded that there is currently a consultant and the scope of
their contract is in negotiations.
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Item No. 43 - CP0616 -City Wayfinding Signage: Chairman Wagner stated there was a
"Downtown" Department of Transportation wayfinding sign on Highway 18 west bound, at the C
Street SW exit and recommended a wayfinding sign be added directing traffic to Downtown at
the bottom of the west bound exit.
Vice-Chair Cerino asked if the signs were being updated to make them easier to read.
Transportation Manager Philpot responded that staff is moving forward with the signs that are
already fabricated and will then go back and update the signs that are difficult to read, at the
request of the Mayor.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
G. Chairman Wagner reported there might be a citizen initiated petition regarding traffic calming.
Wagner suggested that if there was such a petition that the Committee review the traffic
claming projects and how the projects were prioritized.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:24 p.m.
Approved this day of 12008.
Rich Wagner
Chairman
Jennifer Rigsby
Public Works Department Secretary
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