HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-1998PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 8, 1998
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m: Those in attendance were Mayor Booth,
Committee Chairman Rich Wagner, Council/Committee member Gene Cerino, and
Council/Committee member Fred Poe. Staff in attendance were Acting Public Works
Director Dennis Dowdy, Senior Engineer Dennis Selle, Special Projects Engineer Jack
Locke, Project Engineer Les Brittain, Project Engineer Carl Every, Storm Drainage
Engineer Tim Carlaw, Acting Utility Engineer Don Wright, Engineering Aide Pam
Miller.
Guests in attendance were Lon Hurd, TCI; John Raeder, Auburn Area Chamber of
Commerce; and Bruce Livingstone and Tracy Wentz, Hammond Collier & Wade-
Livingstone Consultants.
Dowdy directed the attention of the Committee to the Water Rate Ordinance that went
before City Council at a public hearing on June 1. In addition to water rate changes, the
Ordinance also included changes in fees. Because City staff are still studying the fees,
they are not ready to make fee change recommendations at this time. Dowdy wanted to
alert Committee members that when the public hearing is continued at the June 15
Council meeting, the Ordinance will be revised to reflect a change in water rates only
(base and consumption.).
Poe asked if a public hearing has been held yet on the increase in sanitary sewer rates and
SDC fees? Wright stated that staff was still researching the need for a public hearing and
that if one is needed, it will be appear on the Public Works Committee agenda.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cerino, that a public heating be held on both the
sanitary sewer rate and the SDC increases for water and sanitary sewer when staff is
prepared to move forward to implement.
MOTION CARRIED
II. ISSUES
None.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 8, 1998
Page 2 of 7
IlL CONSENT
A. AWARD CONTRACT NO. 98-11, PR 615, GREEN RIVER CROSSING, TO C.A.
GOODMAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY ON THEIR LOW BID OF
$372,299.08.
Dowdy stated that at this time, City staff does not have all of the information
necessary to determine the lowest responsible bidder. Staff requested the agenda bill
Administrative Recommendation be modified as follows:
"Award Contract No. 98-11, PR 615, Green River Crossing, to C.A. Goodman
Construction Co. on their low bid of $372,299.08 the lowest responsible bidder at
the June 15 Council meeting, subject to the City obtaining all permits required."
This modification is made under the advice of the City Attomey and is deemed
necessary because of the tight project schedule.
Poe moved that the Committee approve the modification to the agenda bill as
recommended by staff. Cerino seconded the motion.
MOTION CARRIED
B. AWARD CONTRACT NO. 98-12, PR 617, ORAVETZ ROAD
REHABILITATION, TO RODARTE CONSTRUCTION, INC., ON THEIR LOW
BID OF $210,768.25.
In response to an inquiry from Wagner, Selle stated that the project includes lane
delineation on Oravetz Road only. Staff has looked into lane delineation on Kersey
Way, however, that would be beyond the scope and funding of this project, which is
focused on preservation of the Oravetz corridor.
C. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO CONTRACT 98-04, WITH OLSON
BROTHERS EXCAVATING, INC., RELATED TO PR 599, 1998 WATER
PIPELINE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
No discussion.
D. ROW APPLICATION NO. 13-98 FROM AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT.
No discussion.
It was moved by Cerino, seconded by Poe, that the Committee approve items B
through D of the CONSENT agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 8, 1998
Page 3 of 7
IV. INFORMATION OR DISCUSSION
A. IA2 PRESENTATION BY HAMMOND COLLIER & WADE-LIVINGSTONE
CONSULTANTS
Bruce Livingstone and Tracy Wentz of Hammond Collier & Wade-Livingstone
Consultants gave a presentation on IA2. They stated that they have given similar
presentations in the past month to Water Districts No. 111 and Covington. Ms.
Wentz gave a recap of the status of each project included in IA2 and distributed a
progress summary and spreadsheet related to project costs.
Wagner questioned the increase in project costs and asked how much of the project
costs are committed. There was discussion of reasons for the increase and staff
reported that about 75% of the project is obligated.
The Committee asked about comments received from Water Districts No. 111 and
Covington. Ms. Wentz replied that the water districts have expressed concem in
regard to cost increases, water quality and how it may affect capacity, and the
groundwater studies and potential continuity between the rivers and how it may affect
the granting of water rights.
Staff and consultants have been conducting monthly meetings with the managers of
the two water districts. It was recommended by Poe that a joint meeting between the
water district commissioners and City staff and consultants be scheduled to give them
an update and educate them on the many issues involved in this project. Staff agreed
that such meetings would be feasible, provided the meetings are arranged by the
Covington and Water District No. 111 staff.
B. CITIZEN'S STORM COMPLAINT
Carlaw gave an update on progress made in response to the citizen storm complaint
brought before the Committee at their meeting on May 11, 1998. After conferring
with the City Attomey, three property owners have been cited with code violation for
clearing and grading without a permit. "Stop Work Orders" have been issued to the
property owners, who have thirty days to apply for the proper permits. A copy of a
position letter sent to the Army Corps of Engineers was distributed to the Committee.
City staff are still investigating the issue of whether or not the clearing and grading
activities have diverted the stream in that area. It was suggested that City staff check
with King County and other agencies that may have taken aerial photos of the area
during times of flooding to see where the drainage has gone under flood conditions
prior to the clearing and grading. Staff will continue to search for more facts. A
letter has been sent to one of the complainants, who will serve as the citizens' point of
contact. Staff have also been in contact with her by phone and will continue to keep
her informed.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 8, 1998
Page 4 of 7
C. 8TM STREET NE PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Selle brought the Committee up to date on changes in the design concept for
pedestrian improvements along 8tn Street NE between "K" Street and Auburn Way
North. The City is constructing a water line in the area, and planned to put in a
separated 5-foot pedestrian trail in association with the project. Because 8tn Street has
shifted so far to the north, there is only 30' of right_of_way in some places. Rather
than purchase additional fight-of-way, the project is being designed to fit within 30'
of right-of-way by reducing the paved area to 4' in width and using curbing rather
than separating the pedestrian area. This will still allow for two travel lanes. A
corridor analysis has indicated that two lanes will handle any additional traffic that
may be generated by new development planned for the area west of Auburn Way
North. It is anticipated the project will go to bid within the next month.
D. GRANT FUNDING UPDATE
For the purpose of these minutes, this issue was brought before the Committee after
the Call to Order.
Jack Locke distributed an update on grant funding to the Committee. He reported
that under TEA-21 (Transportation Equalization Act for the 21 st Century), the City
will receive $3 million for the 3ra Street SW grade separation project, and $4 million
for South 277th. These ~mds require a 20% match, and the City is working with the
FAST partnership to identify matching ~mds.
$1.5 million in federal funds is being distributed to the City through the State
Department of Transportation. Staff is bringing this issue to the Committee at this
time, so that as soon as the agreement is received from the State, the obligation of
funds can be taken directly to Council for approval.
Grant and loan offers have been received for purchase of the Schuler Brothers
property (56 acres in the Mill Creek corridor). Proposed development would include
restoration of Mill Creek and wetlands. A formal presentation will be made to the
Public Works Committee at their next meeting.
E. ESA INVOLVEMENT - WATERSHED FORUMS
Dowdy reported that it has been unclear in recent weeks as to what the counties will
do in the White and Green River watersheds in response to the ESA, since basin
evaluations are not being undertaken. The Mayor sent a letter to both the King and
Pierce County Executives asking them what is going to happen and when Auburn can
begin to participate in the basin studies or watershed forum meetings.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 8, 1998
Page 5 of 7
On June 2, the City hosted a symposium on Mill Creek in an effort to get other cities
involved regarding the SAMP and Flood Control Plan, and what may be needed
under the ESA listing. Federal Way, Algona, Pacific, Auburn, and Kent all drain into
the basin and have an impact on Mill Creek, so it is important to get all jurisdictions
working together. Federal Way and Algona were not in attendance.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is currently ~nalizing the SAMP draft, and King
County is completing a feasibility study on the Flood Control Plan. Revision of the
SAMP and Flood Control Plan to address the issue of fish and fish habitat is being
considered.
The City will be participating in the watershed planning work being done for the
White and Green River basins and will work with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and
other jurisdictions to seek funding for the Flood Control Plan for Mill Creek.
F. PR 548/LID 347 -"B" STREET LID CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence from the attorney representing the "B" Street LID property owners
was included in the Public Works Committee agenda packet. The City's bond
counsel has researched the issue of validity of the street delay agreements and
determined the agreements are valid. The property owners' attorney is requesting
copies of all legal authority on which said validity is based.
The public hearing on the LID is scheduled for the July 20 Council meeting. On
June 15 the US Army Corps of Engineers will be making a determination on the
wetlands that exist in the assessment area. At this time, the biggest issue in regard to
the LID is the wetlands; however, since the wetlands are so small, it is possible we
could consider constructing the improvements this year and deal with the wetland
issue at a later date, pending resolution of other design issues.
G. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS
The Committee reviewed the Capital Project Status Report. Staff reported that
permits should be obtained for PR 615, IA2 River Crossing, and the MIT agreement
will be going to the Tribal Council next week.
It was noted that the last 100 feet of collection line for Coal Creek Springs Phase II is
being installed. The City is in the process of negotiating a change order for valves,
which should alleviate some water quality problems currently being experienced.
There was no statewide Hazard Elimination grant program this year, so the City will
proceed with the signal at 29th and "R" Streets SE without a grant at this time. A staff
meeting is planned later this week to research financing for this and other street
projects.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 8, 1998
Page 6 of 7
The Committee requested an update on the Airport detention facility at their June 22
meeting.
It was noted the street preservation project began last week. It is anticipated the
contractor may be asking pennission to conduct night paving, which is being
evaluated at this time.
Money is available for South 277th in the amount of $5.5 million in secured funds.
Staff informed the Committee that a $1.6 million design contract with Sverdrup will
be executed by the Mayor within a week.
John Raeder, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, brought the Committee's attention to
the pedestrian pushbutton signal on Aubum Way South in the 1000 block. He was
informed by a citizen that a family was nearly hit when crossing the street, stating the
crosswalk is poorly lit, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. City staff
will investigate the situation.
Discussion was held in regard to the 6-Year TIP, which will be on the Public Works
Committee agenda in the near future. The Committee feels the "F" Street SE corridor
and traffic flow from 4th to Auburn Way South need to be defined.
H. TCI FRANCHISE STATUS
This was a new item brought before the Committee as the request of the Mayor and
was discussed following Item A.
Mayor Booth asked that the Committee be apprised of an issue brought up at the
Municipal Services Committee that relates to the TCI franchise. Lon Hurd of TCI
was in attendance to answer questions. A copy of Addendum I to the TCI franchise
as it was originally written was distributed to the Committee, along with a revised
copy indicating minor changes to Section 5 Construction Updates and Schedule.
The addendum was presented to the Municipal Services Committee at their recent
meeting. At that time, several Council members expressed an interest in including
the Auburn School District 1-Net in the TCI franchise with the City for future hookup.
The school district's sites located outside of City limits are covered by the County's
franchise with TCI, and they would like their sites located within the City limits
included in the TCI franchise with the City.
Some confusion existed at the Municipal Services Committee meeting as to whether
or not this inclusion in the agreement would mean the school district was connected
into the City's system. Hurd stated that he has talked with the school district officials
and confirmed that they do not want to be tied into the City's computer network
system. They wish to have the future capability to link their locations inside the City
' PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 8, 1998
Page 7 of 7
limits with I-Net. Hurd did state that the City would have the capability, if desired, to
be tied in with the school district system for emergency situations, which was the
understanding and intent of the Municipal Services Committee members.
Poe asked if the City is being given a special benefit that is not being given to the
citizens of Aubum and was concemed that by including the school district in the
addendum, the City could be doing something at citizen expense.
Hurd responded that while King County subsidized such inclusions with a $1.50 per
month charge to subscribers, TCI will be saving Auburn subscribers that amount by
using this franchise agreement to satisfy the needs of the school district.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting
was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Approved on this day of ,1998.
Pare Miller, Engineering Aide
PM/bd
REF. H:XENGINEERXE98XE98-517 (E:XM1NUTES\98PW6-1 )