HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-C
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
February 2, 2009
I. CALL TO ORDER
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, Traffic Engineer Pablo Para, Transportation
Planner Joe Welsh, Street System Engineer Seth Wickstrom, Engineering Aide Amber Mund, City
Attorney Dan Heid, Government Relations Manager Carolyn Robertson, Risk Manager Rob
Roscoe, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Planning Director Cindy Baker, Planner Chris
Andersen, Parks and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Vice Chair Government Affairs for the
Auburn Chamber of Commerce Terry Davis, President and COO for the Auburn Chamber of
Commerce Nancy Wyatt, Jeremy Delmar, Project Manager, Roth Hill Engineering Partners, LLC,
Robert Whale from the Auburn Reporter, Citizen Wayne Osborne, and Department Secretary
Jennifer Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date, January 20, 2009. Motion carried.
B. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 09-01 FOR PARKS, ARTS, AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT PETPALOOZA DOG TROT FUN RUN
Engineering Aide Mund reported the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department applied for a
permit for the Annual Petpalooza Dog Trot Fun Run. Using a vicinity map, Mund outlined the
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Dog Trot Fun Run route, stating at this year’s event a portion of R Street SE, from 37 Way SE
to the Game Farm Park entrance would be closed to traffic. Mund said because of the
popularity of the event, the Parks Department feels the street closure is necessary for safety
reasons. Chairman Wagner asked about a detour route. Mund answered one lane of on R
Street SE would be closed and there would be flaggers present to direct traffic through the
open lane.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 09-01 for the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department
Petpalooza Dog Trot Fun Run.
Motion carried 3-0.
C. PERMISSION TO INITIATE PROJECT NO. CP0904, 2009 CITY SIDEWALK REPAIR
PROJECT
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Public Works Committee Minutes February 2, 2009
Street System Engineer Wickstrom reviewed the budget status sheet with the Committee.
Wickstrom stated $25,000 is being spent by the R Street Improvement Project and the total
budget for this sidewalk repair project is $175,000.
Chairman Wagner asked what the process is to determine the severity of the condition of the
sidewalks and how they are chosen to be included in the project. Wickstrom responded staff
looks for the largest concentration of sidewalks in poor and/or hazardous condition. Staff also
uses a list maintained by the Street Division of citizens who call the City regarding the
condition of the sidewalks. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said staff documents the
problem sidewalks in the City, reviews the amount of pedestrian traffic in each area. The
areas are combined into a neighborhood to avoid large mobilization expenses for smaller
areas.
Chairman Wagner commented on the lack of neighborhood interest in Sidewalk Local
Improvement Districts (LIDs) for new sidewalks in the Forest Villa and Dogwood
neighborhoods in the past. Wickstrom stated the City Sidewalk Repair Project is for the repair
of existing sidewalks and not to install new sidewalks.
Member Singer asked if any funds from the Photo Safe program could be used for sidewalk
improvements. Selle answered currently the Photo Safe funds are not budgeted for sidewalk
repair and reallocating the funds has not been reviewed. The Committee discussed safety
issues related to sidewalks in need of repair. Chairman Wagner commented that the issue of
reallocating funds from Photo Safe the traffic calming projects should be discussed at the
Council Retreat. Wagner requested the Committee be briefed on pending neighborhood
requests for traffic calming projects at a future meeting.
Vice-Chair Cerino commented he is pleased with the Public Works Department staff’s
response to citizens who report problems with sidewalks and commended staff.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee grant
permission to initiate project no. CP0904, 2009 City Sidewalk Repair Project.
Motion carried 3-0.
III. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Wagner called for an Executive Session at 3:11 p.m. to discuss a pending litigation
matter. The session will last approximately 10 minutes.
The Committee reconvened at 3:23 p.m.
Mayor Lewis stated he was late arriving at the Public Works Committee Meeting because he
was attending a planning meeting for the first public meeting regarding the Howard Hanson
Dam and Green River. There will be public meetings held on Friday, February 6 and Saturday,
February 7, 2009 to discuss the condition of the dam and the potential for flooding in the
community. Mayor Lewis stated there is a situation at the Howard Hanson Dam, a sinkhole,
and there are experts nationwide trying to find the cause of the problem with the dam and
possible fixes. The waters held by the dam are being kept at lower levels than usual so it is
possible that greater amounts of water will be released into the Green River during large storm
events. The City is in constant communication with the Army Corps of Engineers and is
reviewing maps to determine what the affect on Auburn will be if the levees along the Green
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River are compromised. The City recommends citizens, especially those living in the
North/Northeast area of the City contact their insurance providers regarding flood insurance.
IV. ISSUES
There are no Issue items for action.
V. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6223 – CONFIRM FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR LOCAL
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (LID) NO. 350, M STREET SE SIDEWALK LID
There were no comments or questions from the Committee and the Committee is in agreement
with Ordinance No. 6223, Confirming Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District
(LID) No. 350, M Street SE Sidewalk LID.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 4445 APPROVING THE DEMOLITION OF RESIDENCE LOCATED AT
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2033 4 STREET SOUTHEAST, IN AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Risk Manager Roscoe and Parks and Recreation Director Daryl Faber were present to discuss
Resolution No, 4445 with the Committee. Chairman Wagner asked which account is paying
for the demolition. Director Faber responded the funds have not been recognized nor has the
actual price been set because the project has not gone out to bid. Finance Director Coleman
stated staff is still working on the funding source.
The Committee reviewed the Subject Plat Map provided and an aerial map presented by Steve
Burke.
C. PROPOSED DOOR TAX
The Committee reviewed proposed Ordinance No. 6217.
Page 1, Item D: Chairman Wagner commented following changes in zoning, the City was no
longer recruiting freight dependant businesses and questioned the wording of the Ordinance.
Mayor Lewis responded that the City’s inability to maintain the freight corridors is what is
inhibiting the encouragement of freight dependant businesses. With the ability to have a
funding source for the freight corridors, the situation is changed. Wagner stated he is still
uncomfortable with the wording, “…recruit and retain these businesses...” Vice-Chair Cerino
concurred and suggested an explanation of why the City has not been encouraging freight
businesses and how the Door Tax might change the City’s position be included in the
ordinance. Mayor Lewis asked if Chairman Wagner would support retaining the current
businesses.
Member Singer suggested including the phrase “…Auburn has historically been a major
regional location for this branch of commerce…” to Item C. Mayor Lewis and Chairman
Wagner concurred.
Government Relations Manager Robertson stated that items a through e on page 1 were taken
directly from the Citizens’ Task Force on Arterial Streets.
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Mayor Lewis stated that with the mitigation package and the support of costs created, he has
no problem working to retain the businesses. The Committee discussed the mitigation
package and the importance of retaining the businesses.
Chairman Wagner asked how much revenue will be collected by the proposed door tax.
Director Dowdy answered the tax is estimated at $280 per door, in order to raise one half of
the $25 million it will take to repair the freight routes though the City.
Vice-Chair Cerino recommended an explanation of how the State’s Streamlined Sales Tax
(SST) has negatively affected City funds used to maintain the freight routes and why the City
must turn to local funding sources, such as the Door Tax, be included in the ordinance. The
Committee continued discussion about rewording items c and d of the ordinance.
Page 2, Items B1 and B2: Chairman Wagner requested studies that support the data
regarding shipping freight and the wear and tear on the freight routes used in the ordinance be
provided. Director Dowdy responded the Washington State Highway Manual contains the
studies that support the data. Member Singer suggested the studies be sited in the ordinance.
Mayor Lewis listed the studies used and Government Relations Manager Robertson will
provide Chairman Wagner with the studies.
Page 3, Section 3.96.040, Item B: Chairman Wagner asked if a dock door license would need
to be posted on every door the business operates. Mayor Lewis confirmed. Robertson stated
the license is a sticker which will need to be poster to the left or right side of the door, so it can
be visible when the door is open.
Page 3, Section 3.96.040, Item E: Chairman Wagner asked how GSA will be affected by the
door tax. City Attorney Heid responded the City can not impose the excise on any business
that it would not be entitled to license, therefore a business on GSA property, that would need
a City business license in order to operate, would be subject to the tax, but GSA, a Federal
entity, would not.
Page 4, Section 3.96.050, Item C: Chairman Wagner asked for feedback from the Committee
about the estimated rate of the excises, $280. Mayor Lewis and Director Dowdy reviewed the
formula used to determine the rate. Chairman Wagner asked how many miles of freight
corridor have been identified. Director Dowdy answered approximately 25 miles. Chairman
Wagner questioned the ability to bring 25 miles to truck standards for $25 million. Mayor Lewis
stated the Door Tax would not be the sole source of funds for the projects.
The Committee continued discussing additional funding sources and the amount it will take to
bring the freight corridor to truck standards.
Page 5: The Committee discussed whether or not this tax should be brought forward,
considering the current state of the national economy. Member Singer stated she could not
support the tax at this time. Mayor Lewis reported the door tax has been reviewed monthly at
the Valley Cities Mayors meetings and has local business support.
Nancy Wyatt and Terry Davis, representing the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, discussed
local business support with the Committee. Ms. Wyatt stated the Chamber’s primary concern
is Chamber Members being “double-taxed” or taxed unfairly. The Chamber is working to
prevent this by rewording the document. Ms. Wyatt provided examples for the Committee.
Mayor Lewis provided further explanation. Mr. Davis discussed the data from the Citizens’
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Report on Arterial Streets. Mr. Davis stated a major part of the conclusions provided by the
Task Force was that there was not one funding source for the repair and maintenance of the
freight routes. Mayor Lewis concurred. The Committee discussed striking the words,
“…freight mobility…” from the ordinance and replacing it with the language used in the Task
Force report which is focused on pavement preservation, not things like overpasses that could
be considered part of “freight mobility”.
The Committee discussed the effective date and at what time the excise would be collected.
Robertson stated the tax would be collected upon renewal or application of a business license.
D. FEDERALIZATION OF STIMULUS PROJECTS
Director Dowdy reported at the January 21, 2009 meeting of the King County Directors
(KCPEC) a method of prioritization and a federalization process were developed. There is an
application process for local projects not currently on the Regional Transportation Improvement
Plan to get advanced approval through the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) for the future use of federal funds on local projects.
Director Dowdy provided the Committee a list of staff recommended projects. The Committee
reviewed the list.
Director Dowdy answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding qualifications and
prioritization of the recommended projects.
E. CODE UPDATE PROJECT – DESIGN STANDARDS
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle introduced Jeremy Delmar, Project Manager for Roth Hill
Engineering Partners, who was in attendance to discuss, with the Committee, his
memorandum on the City of Auburn Design Standards Update.
Mr. Delmar reported the first task assigned to Roth Hill was to do research on road geometrics
on lower volume roads and street grades. Auburn’s current standards were compared to those
of other nearby municipalities, such as the Cities of SeaTac, Renton, Sumner, and Puyallup.
The standards for both Pierce and King Counties and the requirements as specific by the
American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) were reviewed
as well.
Mr. Delmar stated that while the City of Auburn Design Standards tend to be more prescriptive,
they are also more thorough and detailed than many other municipalities. Mr. Delmar gave the
Committee examples of some of the difference between the City’s Design Standards and
those of other cities. There was some discussion about the need to balance flexibility of
design standards for developers with both the needs of citizens and the City’s long-term
maintenance and operations responsibilities.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle explained to the Committee how staff uses both
AASHTO and the City’s Design Standards and to which publication is reference under varying
circumstances. Selle answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding the review
process.
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Street Geometrics: The Committee reviewed Exhibit 2, Right Angle “L” Intersection and
determined that a similar intersection with an “eyebrow” would be desirable to include in the
City’s standards.
Street Grades and Vertical Curves: The Committee reviewed the road geometrics provided on
maps at the last Committee Meeting for Council members to visit. The maps outlined various
examples of street grades and horizontal curves in the City of Auburn. The Committee
discussed existing streets in Auburn with steep grades, such as Riverwalk Drive and Lake
Tapps Parkway. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle commented on the benefits of
providing appropriate landings at intersections. Chairman Wagner recommended keeping the
maximum of a 6% grade, with the option to request for a deviation when certain requirements
are met. Member Singer pointed out other jurisdictions’ maximum grades are higher. Mr.
Delmar recommended the streets be looked at on a case by case basis. Assistant City
Engineer Gaub stated the Valley Fire Regional Authority prefers a grade no steeper than 12%.
The Committee discussed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Using the Kersey III Development as an example, Member Singer recommended the maximum
grade be increased to 8% or 10%. Selle commented the development was designed using a
previous version of the Design Standards, allowing a maximum grade of 12%. Mayor Lewis
stated his support for increasing the maximum grade allowed to 8%. The Committee
discussed residential collector arterials. Selle stated most roads that are going to be
developed by private developments using the Design Standards are local residential roads in
residential subdivisions.
There was some discussion about needed to incorporate a trail system to supplement
sidewalks and meet ADA requirements when road grades become too steep. Mr. Delmar
reported on his findings regarding ADA standards and street grades. The most specific criteria
is at intersections, handicap ramps, and the areas adjacent to them. These are the locations
where ADA has concrete guidance. Selle stated that up hill and down hill grades could be at
8% with sidewalks at the same grade if landings are incorporated at 5% grade, or less at
intersections to meet the guidance from ADA.
The Committee agreed to increase the street grade to a maximum of 8% with the ability to
request a deviation of a maximum of 10%. Chairman Wagner stated he did not agree with a
maximum grade of 10% being allowed on arterials. The Committee would like to see a matrix
of criteria developed that would indicate clearly how the mitigation needed to deviate beyond
the 8% maximum.
Horizontal Curves Minimum Tangents between Reverse Curves: Chairman Wagner stated the
375 ft horizontal curve provided good sight distance and at 300 ft, especially if there were
parked cars present, sight distance decreased substantially. Member Singer commented a
shorter curve also causes drivers to reduce their speed. Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated
in the current Standards, 375 ft is what is required on local residential roads. Selle discussed
the factors involved in determining horizontal curves, the primary concern being adequate sight
distance. Selle stated that staff recommends utilizing AASHTO standards for horizontal
curves. The Committee concurred.
Vertical Curves: Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by
Chairman Wagner regarding entries for vertical curves. Selle stated staff’s biggest concern
with vertical curves is adequate sight distance since the city control the grades of the streets.
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Therefore, staff proposes to rely on the AASHTO standards for vertical curves. Assistant City
Engineer Gaub also stated the length of vertical curve is dictated by the sight distance required
to see an object in the roadway with an adequate stopping distance. The committee
concurred with using AASHTO sight distance standards for vertical curves.
The Committee continued with review of Design Standards, Section 10.03 Sight Distance.
10.03: Referencing the first paragraph, Chairman Wagner asked for the definition of “normal
conditions.” Traffic Engineer Para answered when AASHTO is calculating sight distance they
are assuming wet pavement. Chairman Wagner suggested a more detailed definition of the
conditions be considered.
10.03.1 Sight Distance Design: Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions
asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the phrase “…passenger cars on level roadways…”
Chairman Wagner asked if there was any consideration given to trucks and sight distance.
Traffic Engineer Para responded that no truck adjustments are necessary for stopping sight
distance. The truck adjustment factors required for intersection sight distance are included in
the tables of the revised code section.
10.03.1.2 Intersection Sight Distance: Chairman Wagner asked if all of Auburn’s freight routes
would meet the 5% vehicle volumes. Para confirm they would.
10.03.1.2.2.3 Right-of-Way Requirements: Selle responded to questions asked by Chairman
Wagner regarding sight distance triangles being located completely within the City right-if-way.
It was determined that easements outside of the ROW may be needed to preserve sight
distance triangles.
The Committee briefly reviewed Tables 10-2, 10-2A, 10-2B, 10-2C, and 10-2D.
F. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item No. 8 – C504A – R Street SE Utility Improvements: Senior Project Engineer Helbig
answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the adjustment of the budget and
how funds from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe are distributed for this project.
Item No. 10 – CP0762 – Les Gove Neighborhood Improvements: Chairman Wagner
commented on the need to complete the utility rate study before the Committee will know how
much the capital projects will determine the increase in rates. Utility Engineer Repp responded
that utility capital improvement plans are still being developed and that the rate study is
dependent on those plans. Repp continued saying that he would discuss the issue with the
rate study consultant and share the findings with the Committee. Chairman Wagner asked
how much later the project could go out for advertisement. Selle explained it would be better
to go to bid sooner rather than later for this project given the current bidding climate.
Item No. 12 – C524A – SCADA System Improvement: Chairman Wagner recommended the
bid for this project be delayed until after completion of the utility rate study.
Item No. 23 – CP0741 – A St SE Pedestrian Improvements: Chairman Wagner asked about
the grade of the sidewalk improvements. Helbig answered it meets ADA requirements.
Wagner asked if there will be a fence. Helbig answered there will be a chain link fence on the
top of the wall.
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Item No. 33 – SR-164 Corridor Study: Director Dowdy responded to questions asked by
Chairman Wagner regarding follow up from the WSDOT committee.
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G. TRUCK PARKING ON 8 STREET SW
Director Dowdy reported the manager of the Best Western Peppertree Auburn Inn, located at
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401 8 Street SW, Auburn, WA, contacted the City, concerned because, following the
passage of Ordinance No. 6322, some regular customers of the hotel are no longer able to
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park their trucks on 8 Street SW. Using an aerial map, Transportation Planner Welsh,
explained to the Committee that during examination of the street it was noted the trucks
parked on both sides of the street caused problems with sight distance. The hotel manager
had asked staff what other options were available for parking for hotel customers with trucks.
Welsh said staff reviewed the situation and found no workable solution. Director Dowdy stated
he suggested to the hotel manager that truck drivers park in locations where truck parking is
allowed and shuttle patrons to the hotel as a possible solution. Assistant Director/City
Engineer Selle noted a possible solution may be for the hotel manager to make arrangements
for patrons to park their trucks in neighboring parking lots.
Chairman Wagner asked if the Police Department is able to issue warnings to trucks violating
the parking ordinance. Welsh answered he thought warnings were issued for two weeks, but
would have to confirm that information. Chairman Wagner and Mayor Lewis discussed the
feasibility of tracking drivers who had been issued warnings and those who had not. Chairman
Wagner asked if it is sensible to install “No Truck Parking” signs in targeted locations. Welsh
responded it was not reasonable to install signs in only certain locations and not on every
street where truck parking is not allowed.
The Committee continued discussion about possible solutions. Staff will continue to
communicate with the hotel manager.
H. C-CURB DISCUSSION
The party requesting this topic be discussed was not present. The Committee deferred
discussion.
I. Mayor Lewis reported on the real estate investment trust (REIT) and sales tax figures in
Auburn for the month.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
Approved this _______ day of _________________________, 2009.
Rich Wagner Jennifer Rigsby
Chairman Public Works Department Secretary
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