HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-08-1999CITY OF AUBURN PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1999
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Committee Chairman Rich
Wagner, Council/Committee member Gene Cerino, and Council/Committee member Fred Poe.
Staff in attendance were Public Works Director Christine Engler, Planning Director Paul Krauss,
City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Senior Engineer Dennis Selle, Water Utility Engineer Lara
McKinnon, Traffic Engineer Steve Mullen, Project Engineer Les Brattain, Project Engineer Carl
Every, Contracts Administrator Caroline Bergt.
Guest in attendance was Jeffrey Grose on behalf of the Aubum School District.
II. CONSENT
A. AGENDA MODIFICATION - CHANGE ORDER NO 1 TO CONTRACT 98-21 WITH
KAR-VEL CONSTRUCTION FOR ADDITIONAL WORK ON C8016.
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed following the Issues on the agenda.
This change order for $13,453.51 covers extra unanticipated work performed on the waterline
portion of the contract. This extra work was necessary due to encountering an undocumented
abandoned 3-inch steel waterline nmning most of the length of the project and an incorrect location
of a waterline terminus on record drawings of construction activities associated with the construction
of the Fred Meyer complex several years ago.
This change order consisted entirely of activities chargeable to the Water Utility. The Water Utility
budget for 1999 included $25,000 for this project. Anticipated charges to the Water Utility in 1999
for this project are $40,042, including this change order. Therefore, a budget adjustment of $15,042
will be required.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cerino, that the Committee recommend Council approve the
change order.
MOTION CARRIED
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 3062 FIXING A TIME FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON STREET
VACATION NO. V-03-98, 2ND STREET NE
Resolution No. 3062 fixes a time for a public hearing on April 5, 1999, on the petition from the
Auburn School District for vacation of the south 5-foot section of street right-of-way along 2''a Street
NE, from 'E' Street NE to Auburn High School, and adjacent to Washington Elementary School.
Vacation of this portion of right_of_way will allow the school district to construct landscaping in
conformance with City Code without reducing the number of available parking stalls. The vacation
satisfies the required public benefit test as it allows the school district to maintain the maximum
number of public parking stalls. Staff recommends approval.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1999
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Question was raised regarding using a right-of-way use agreement rather than a street vacation, in
case the City should ever require use of the right-of-way in the future. While the Committee agreed
that in this case, a street vacation was appropriate, they asked staff to look at altematives when
considering future street vacation requests.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cerino, that the Committee recommend Council adopt Resolution
No. 3062.
MOTION CARRIED
B. RESOLUTION NO. 3066, PAYBACK AGREEMENT WITH RANDY GOODWIN FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES
Resolution No. 3066 authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a payback agreement with
Randy Goodwin for construction of sanitary sewer facilities related to developer extension pennit
no. FAC007-95. The editorial correction for effective duration to fifteen years (top of page 3) will
be corrected in the Council agenda.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cerino, that the Committee recommend City Council adopt
Resolution No. 3066.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 5217 AIMENDING ORDINANCE 5182, AUTHORIZING FEDERAL FUNDS
FOR GRADE CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS AT 37TM STREET NW AND UPSP
On November 16, 1998, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 5182, approving $199,500 in federal
funds, with $1,300 in City matching funds, as provided in a Local Agency Agreement between the
City of Aubum and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for construction
of cantilever signals and gates at the grade crossing at 37th Street NW and the UPSP rail line. Since
the time of submittal, the agreement and prospectus have been revised to more accurately reflect
project costs as estimated by UPSP, who will be performing most of the work. Revised costs are
$217,388 in federal funds, $3,204 in City match, of which $2,095 is paid from WUTC funds, thereby
reducing the City match to $1,109, for a project total of $220,592.
Ordinance 5217 was reviewed and approved by the Committee on February 22, 1999. At that time,
the agreement and prospectus had been revised using numbers furnished by WSDOT. Prior to the
ordinance being forwarded to Council for their meeting on March 1, WSDOT advised the City to
have the amounts confirmed by UPSP. On March 3, a cost estimate was received from UPSP which
resulted in the revised documents that are brought before the Committee at this meeting.
Public Works Director Engler explained that there is no known final cost at this time - this is an
estimate and, in fact, the third estimate the City has received. Actual costs will be confirmed once
the project is completed. Traffic Engineer Mullen explained how this project came to be. The UPSP
railroad approached WSDOT, asking if funds were available for improvements at this crossing.
WSDOT then contacted the City, informing them that ~mds were available and directing the City to
submit the required documents to obligate the funds.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITFEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1999
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It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cerino, that the Committee recommend Council adopt Ordinance
No. 5217.
MOTION CARRIED
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. APPEAL OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE DECISION TO REQUIRE PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS - GRIFFIS CONSTRUCTION
Public Works Director Engler introduced the information in the packet as information only,
explained that the material was the draft Council agenda packet that would be going to Council, and
asked for Committee input.
The Committee requested inclusion of more information in the agenda bill regarding the Public
Works Committee recommendations - that the Public Works Committee did not approve or deny the
request, but recommended that the request be brought to the full Council. Planning Director Krauss
spoke to the Downtown Plan and efforts to resolve the street versus pedestrian needs. Engler
promised to coordinate with the City Attorney so that the City Attomey could be prepared to address
any legal questions concerning right-of-way that might arise. The Committee reviewed the exhibits
that will be going to Council, and expressed satisfaction with both the information and the process
for getting this issue to a public hearing via a call for heating from Council floor. The Committee
was reminded that at this time, the information is being presented to the Council only to get to a
public hearing and not in an effort to ask Council for a decision or to pre-dispose any
Councilmember's evaluation of merit or conditions of approval prior to the hearing should the
Council decide that a heating is the best means of obtaining public comment.
B. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS - APPEAL PROCESS
Public Works Director Engler reported that she expressed to the City Attorney that the Committee
would like to be involved in the appeal process, at least to the extent that they are kept informed of
appeals being brought before the Director and/or Hearing Examiner. The Attorney has expressed the
opinion that if an issue was contested, discussion would taint the appeal process; however, he did
state the Committee could be informed of an issue, but could not provide any input on the issue.
Staff reviewed the issues that have been brought to the Committee in the past. Engler suggested that
a quarterly report could be made to the Committee to give them a brief generic history of such
appeals so that decisions could be made on potential revisions to City policy. The process will
continue to be that decisions are made by the City Engineer, with appeals of those decisions going to
the Public Works Director and, if not resolved, to Hearing Examiner; however, the Committee would
be made aware of these situations.
The Committee discussed their feelings about the Hearing Examiner process and their
responsibilities as a committee. Engler pointed out that all Hearing Examiner appeals/decisions are
reviewed by the full Council. The Committee felt they did not want to give up all their ability to
make decisions, though agreed that all land use decisions are probably best left to the Hearing
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1999
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Examiner. Engler stated that she has run out of options in responding to the Committee's concerns
and that, at this point, the Committee members might wish to take their concems to the Mayor.
Further discussion ensued around the suggestion of a quarterly report. Wagner suggested that an
information report be given to the Public Works Committee after the City Engineer has made a
decision, but before the Director rules on any appeals. The other Public Works Committee members
concurred, and agreed that the report would be for information only, without input being given by
the Committee.
C. COAL CREEK SPRINGS STATUS LIPDATE
Project Engineer Carl Every gave all members a handout and showed them a plan map so the
members could get a good idea of the location of the area being discussed. There is a levee at the
river to protect the area from flooding and contamination; however, a landslide contaminated the
area about two years ago.
Realizing that the potential for future slides was there, the City wanted to correct that situation,
increase the flexibility of the system (separating collectors), and maximize use of existing water
rights. The north collector is now in place and construction is completed - flexibility has been
accomplished and the City can measure the overflows and increased supply - over one million
additional gallons of water a day now. Remaining challenges include repairs to several pieces of
broken pipe, higher-than-desired bacteria count in the north collector, and a possible manhole cover
configuration. Council/Committee member Wagner asked if E~coli or fecal coli-form is present.
Every explained that only less harmful bacteria were detected. The Utility's goal is to get the noah
collector closer to a zero count; however, if chlorination becomes essential, that always remains as a
viable option.
The effect of this project, if any, on the supply of water to the Interlocal Agreement No. 2 (IA2)
partners was discussed.
Water Utility Engineer McKinnon stated that PGG's contract is currently at 80%. Once the study is
complete, hydraulic connectivity between Coal Creek Springs, Lake Tapps, and the White River will
be characterized. Staff knows now that the White River, Green River and the deep aquifer are in
hydraulic connectivity, but that the extent and effects of this continuity is yet to be fully modeled. A
draft report is expected later in the spring. Following the final report, staff will analyze the
information and decide what follow-on watershed management planning should be undertaken.
D. SCOPE FOR CORROSION CONTROL FACILITY
Water Utility Engineer Lara McKinnon reviewed the history of the Corrosion Control Facility. A
1995 study performed by our consultant, EES, as required by the Department of Health, revealed
copper levels of 1.6 mg/L versus the recommended level of 1.3 mg/L. The situation is caused by
low PH level of the sources, which are corrosive toward copper plumbing. Copies of a 1996
Bilateral Compliance Agreement (BCA) between the City and Department of Health (DOH) were
distributed to the Committee. The DOH is aware that we are behind schedule and understands why.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITFEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1999
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Staff expects to successfully renegotiate the Agreement this year. Preliminary design by the
Consultant is done. The plan calls for the first facility to be at Coal Creek Springs, followed by a
second facility at Fulmer Field for Wells 2 and 7. Estimated cost of the project is $7.5-$8.2 million.
A low interest loan for $3.85 million at 1% interest over 15 years has been secured from the Public
Works Trust Fund. McKiunon has been working with the Finance Department to ensure that funds
are available for this project. SDC charges are reviewed annually with capital expenses figured in.
It is anticipated the project will go out for bid in February 2000, with construction taking place from
April to November of that year.
The Committee asked to see an income and expense spreadsheet going out 5 years for the water
utility. Engler will pass on this request to Finance Director Supler. The Committee inquired about
penalties and enforcement of the BCA and what other water suppliers were doing regarding these
requirements. Engler felt that fines could be imposed and the City could be exposed to third party
lawsuits. Discussion was held about Renton's choice of a chemical treatment plant for low PH
rather than an aeration system for treatment that this project will use.
E. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
1. Status of "B" Street project was queried. Senior Engineer Selle stated that the project continued
on track with only the wetlands mitigation issue remaining unresolved.
2. Comments were made on the superior operation of the new signal at 29th and 'R' Streets SE.
3. Status of the site work for the Green River Pump Station was briefed. The contractor will be
directed to correct conditions at the site via the use of a Force Account. The IA2 parmers have
been informed of potential impacts to schedule and/or cost. Covington Water District has
requested a meeting with the Public Works Committee. The Committee is available the evening
of April 26, 1999. The Committee noted that it might be advantageous to have such a meeting at
that time, as more information may be available from the City's Water Attomey conceming
water rights and more will be known about any impacts to the IA2 parmers due to status of Well
6A and work on the Green River Pump Station.
Senior Engineer Selle notified the Committee that the Public Works Department was proposing to
add a contract position to help manage various Parks Department capital improvement/maintenance
projects. The Committee voiced their support for this proposal.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
Chairman Wagner asked if there was any other business. Committee Member Poe brought up the
issue of unauthorized signs in City right-of-way. Engler stated that the City's Code Enforcement
Official and other Public Works staff had been pursuing those responsible without much success to
date.
G. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
PM/bd
REF. H:XENGINEER\E99XE99-254 and E:MMINUTES\99PW3-1