HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-1999CITY OF AUBURN PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1999
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:37 p.m. Those in attendance were Mayor Booth,
Commi[tee Chairman Rich Wagner, Council/Committee member Gene Cerino, and
Council/Committee member Fred Poe. Staff in attendance were Public Works Director
Christine Engler, City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Senior Engineer Dennis Selle, Traffic
Engineer Steve Mullen, Traffic Operations Engineer Rozana Knutson, Utilities Engineer
Dwight Holobaugh, GIS Coordinitor JR Smith, Water Utility Engineer Lara McKinnon,
Storm Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw, Project Engineer Carl Every, Utilities Technician
Darcie Hanson, Finance Director Diane Supler, Utility Accountant Mark Neary, and
Engineering Aide Pam Miller.
Guest in attendance was Eric Bowker, MobileComm.
II. CONSENT
A. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT 99-8, AUBURN RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, FOR 4TM
STREET NE
Right-of-Way Use Permit 99-8 would allow Auburn Riverside High School to use 4th Street
NE, between 'H' Street NE and 'E' Street NE, on Saturday, June 19, 1999, from 9:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. for their graduation ceremony. There were no questions.
B. FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO SHEAR TRANSPORT, CONTRACT 98-35, PROJECT NO. C8066,
3~ ST NE ALLEY SEWER REPLACEMENT
This project is located between 3rd and 5th Streets NE, just east of 'A' Street NE, and
provided for the construction of 300 LF of sanitary sewer and 100 LF of side sewer to
replace damaged clay sewer. Total estimated project costs are $55,376. There were no
questions.
C. FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO TRANSTECH ELECTRIC, CO~CT 98-20, PROJECT NO.
C8005, TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 29TM & R STREET SE
This project was to install a traffic signal and associated channelization at the intersedtion of
'R' and 291h Streets SE. Public Works Director Engler pointed out that the Budget Impact
stated on the agenda bill was in error and should read $17.28 rather than $5,247.71. Total
project costs are $241,730, which is well within the budgeted amount of $320,000, of which
$100,000 was carried over from 1998 to 1999. Question was raised as to the cost for this
signal versus the cost of the signal installed by the County at 8th Street NE at the bottom of
Lea Hill. Traffic Engineer Mullen stated he did not have actual figures; however, he did not
believe the cost difference to be substantial. Mullen will report back to the Committee on
the cost difference between the two signals.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITFEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1998
Page 2 of 7
D. AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO AGREEMENT NO. AG-C- 15, PACIFIC GROUNDWATER GROUP
This amendment extends the contract with Pacific Groundwater Group (PGG) until
March 31, 2000, and adds additional hydrogeologic consulting services for the Water
Resources Program, the IA-2 program and Water Resources Program Implementation. The
services for the Water Resources Program include additional work for coordination
management, hydrogeologic characterization and White River Valley Flow Quantification
for an estimated total cost of $147,400. The additional services for the IA-2 program are for
the "Well 6 strategy" estimated costs of $635,386, as reflected in the amended Exhibit D
costs presented to the IA-2 parmers last fall. We are also recommending commencing the
Water Resources Program Implementation project with a new task of Annual Water Level
Monitoring for an estimated cost of $87,040. The total cost of the proposed amendment to
the contract is $792,635.
Water Utility Engineer McKinnon announced that preliminary analysis indicates that Well 6
will meet the City's objectives of 5 mgd at low manganese concentrations with Well 2
pumping, so the City will be proceeding with well 6A installation. Due to the acceptable
levels of manganese at well 6A, McKinnon proposed that two tasks be deleted from the
contract amendment for additional services for the IA2 program: Task 99-18 (Supply Test
Wells) and Task 99-19 (Well 6B Installation and Testing). The deletion of these two tasks
reduces the total amount of the amendment ~'om $792,635 to $306,275. The contract
amendment will be revised to reflect changes. in scope prior to being presented to Council
on April 19.
The Committee expressed concem over the amount of money that has been spent on the
contract with PGG, feeling they have not seen much by way of reports and that many of the
directives in the contract and amendments have not had fixed goals and deal with assisting
and coordinating. Public Works Director Engler stated that she and McKirmon have had
these same concerns, and McKinnon has spent considerable effort in supplying the
necessary engineering oversight. The costs for the tasks are the maximum the City expects
to spend, and it is possible that some tasks may cost less. It was also noted that the
contractor is being used for more than one project, and that McKirmon is working very hard
to have the contractor's work wrapped up by the end of the year.
The Committee had understood the City would be going to Olympia this spring to secure
water rights, and questioned why that was not included in the amendment. Engler
responded that there are a number of reasons that water fights are not included in the
contract. Going to Olympia this spring to secure water fights was based on a confined
aquifer. Because the aquifer is not confined, interconnectivity must be determined. A
report describing the results of investigations will be available in the spring. Also, because
of ESA issues, the Department of Ecology (DOE) is not even looking at water rights at this
time. Staff is confident that once they get the draft, it won't take long to get the information
into final form. On-going, substantive dialogue is being held with DOE, which has
informed the City that based on the information they've received thus far, there is the
potential that what the City has done will be a model for other water purveyors. The
Committee asked that someone from PGG attend a future Public Works Committee meeting
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1998
Page 3 of 7
to review the dialogue that has occurred with the DOE.
McKinnon gave a summary of each task included in the amendment and responded to
questions from the Committee. Discussion was held on how the City plans to recover the
funds being spent on the contract. It was noted by Utilities Engineer Holobaugh, in
response to a question about capitalization, that the City does have a supplemental right to
pump wells 6 and 7. The City may have to wait years to get an answer to the primary water
rights issue.
E. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT NO. AG-C-72, EARTH TECH INC
This amendment extends the contract with Earth Tech until December 31, 1999, and adds
additional services to the scope of work. Professional services shall include, in addition to
all work described in the agreement, modeling services for refinement of the City's
Cybernet Version 3.0 Computer model, modeling assistance with Developer Extension
Projects submitted to the City for Water Utility review and approval, preliminary design for
the Lakeland Hills Rezone Project and modeling support for QA/QC for the Corrosion
Control Project. The Water Utility has authorized budget funds for all the projects
described above, with the Developer Extension Modeling to be directly charged to the
associated FAC number. The total cost of the proposed amendment to the contract is
$52,767.
Question was raised in regard to Task 2, Developer Extension Modeling. Water Utility
Engineer McKinnon reported that the data ~'ecently collected on hydrants will be used to
calibrate the model, and that the'goal is not only to determine 'C' values, but to make sure
reservoir levels are correct and to ensure that realistic flows are predicted so that the City
can answer yes or no to development.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cefino, that the Committee approve the Consent Agenda,
with Tasks 99-18 and 99-19 being deleted from Amendment No. 5 to Agreement AG-C-15
with Pacific Groundwater Group.
MOTION CARR/ED
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 3074 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
WITH KING COUNTY FOR FUNDING OF REIMBURSEMENT COSTS FOR
IMPLEMENTING A COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION PLAN
Resolution No. 3074 authorizes an Implementation Agreement with King County, through
its Department of Transportation, to perform work relating to the Commute Trip Reduction
Act (CTR). The estimated cost for the year is $22,049. This is a continuing program that
began the last quarter of 1992. Resolution No. 2886, adopted by Council on November 17,
1997, authorized an Interlocal Agreement with King County for the period July 1, 1997
through June 30, 1999, to accept two annual payments of approximately $24,000 each in
CTR technical assistance funds from the County to provide for CTR expenses: These
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1998
Page 4 of 7
funds are used to pay the costs related to this Implementation Agreement. There were no
questions.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cerino, that the Committee recommend Council adopt
Resolution No. 3074.
MOTION CARRIED
B. ORDINANCE NO. 5222, AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTERS 2.27 ENTITLED "PUBLIC
WORKS DEPARTMENT," 13.20 ENTITLED "SEWERS," AND 13.48 ENTITLED "STORM
DRAINAGE UTILITY"
Public Works Director Engler explained that some of the language in the City Code was
outdated, so changes are being proposed to reflect administration's actual business. Other
changes are designed to correspond with the Public Works Department being realigned on
some fronts. A Utilities Maintenance Engineer has been hired and will report to the
Utilities Engineer. The Sewer/Storm and Water Supervisors will report to the new
Maintenance Engineer, while the Street Supervisor will now report to the Traffic Engineer.
The intent of these changes is to integrate engineering with operations and maintenance.
The Solid Waste Supervisor and Equipment Rental/Fleet Manager will continue to report
directly to the Public Works Director. The Committee discussed the revisions and
suggested some changes for further clarity.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Cerino, that the Committee recommend Council adopt
Ordinance No. 5222, provided "engineering and" is deleted from ACC 2.27.010 and a
determination is made by the City Attorney as to possible City liability pertaining to
language that indicates the City is responsible for administration of electrical codes.
MOTION CARRIED
IV. INFORMATION OR DISCUSSION
A. STORM DRAINAGE COST OF SERVICE STUDY STATUS REPORT
Storm Utility Engineer Tim Carlaw gave a presentation on the Storm Drainage Utility Cost
of Service Study. He reviewed the background of the Storm Utility, which was established
in 1986, and covered the steps completed to date for the Study. Thus far, the study has
determined what City services are provided by the utility and the costs of providing those
services, and has prepared an initial allocation of costs to begin the evaluation of how the
costs will be distributed. He discussed the existing and proposed consumer philosophy and
rate structures, which generated lengthy discussion on methodology for setting rates and
proposed concept of charging the impacts from all transportation networks proportionately
between the user classes.
Committee members voiced concem that the proposed methodology for charging
customers for services is becoming too complex and questioned charging for impacts of
streets, while Finance Director Supler voiced concem over the support that would be
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1998
Page 5 of 7
needed from Finance to implement a more complex fee system and the ability of some of
the other enterprise funds' or department budgets' to bear the increased costs of the new fee
system.
Carlaw thanked the Committee for their comments and input, and stated the he will come
back to the Committee with a revised philosophy. It is anticipated that the final Cost of
Service Study will be available the end of October, with a new Rate Study available in mid-
December. Carlaw expressed plans to report back to the Committee every couple of
months with updates on progress being made toward completion of the study and
implementation of a new philosophy and fee structure.
At 6:30 p.m., an Executive Session was called. The regular meeting resumed at 6:47 p.m.
B. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS - ILLUMINATION
Traffic Engineer Mullen reported that the Traffic Engineering section has been examining
the design standards for illumination of residential streets in an attempt to move toward less
"industrial" type light poles to ones that are more pedestrian friendly. Traffic Operations
Engineer Knutson gave a presentation, showing samples of the many poles, luminaires, and
lamps that were considered, and stating that current standards, cost, and ease of
maintenance were all taken into consideration. Lighting levels and types of poles were
reviewed.
The Committee discussed the philosophy of the City owning its own light utility versus
adopting our own standards and having PSE install them. Mullen responded that staff is
unable to look at this issue at this time, because the City does not have an inventory of its
lighting infrastructure and PSE just recently proposed and adopted a new rate structure for
their installations.
The Committee concurred with the staff recommendation for light pole, luminaire and lamp
as to aesthetics, but were concerned with costs. They asked Mullen to provide spec sheet
and cost of the poles, with and without conduit. It was the consensus of the Committee that
an amendment to the construction standards for residential street lighting should be
adopted, and the issue of the City having its own light utility should be addressed at a later
date.
C. PROPOSED MOBILECOMM LEASE
MobileComm has approached the City to explore the possibility of installing equipment on
the Auburn Water Tower located at 57th Place SE. Metricom currently has equipment
installed at the site, and City Engineer Dowdy showed the Committee photographs of
various views of the water tower and equipment that can be seen by residents in the area.
Mr. Eric Bowker, Nationwide Technical Manager for MobileComm, Inc., was in
attendance and distributed pictures and information illustrating the equipment he is
proposing to install on the water tower, which includes a satellite dish and antenna. Mr.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1998
Page 6 of 7
Bowker commented that he has been in contact with Metricom, and they are comfortable
with MobileComm's equipment and proposal. It was the consensus of the Committee that
their concerns in regard to aesthetics could be mitigated, and Dowdy stated that the issues
of aesthetics, radio wave emissions, and a hold harmless would be addressed in the lease.
D. REQUEST FROM AUBURN RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL TO RENAME ORAVETZ ROAD
The Committee reviewed a petition from the Auburn Riverside High School Student
Council to change the name of Oravetz Road to Raven Road, to promote school pride. The
costs that would be incurred should such a change be made were discussed, as was the
possible problem of setting a precedent. Traffic Engineer Mullen commented that streets
located south of the White River are named by Ordinance, which would make this an issue
to be considered by the Planning Commission. He also noted that Oravetz Road extends
into the City of Pacific. It was the consensus of the Committee that they would be
supportive of a change to Riverside Road, which provides a geographic reference, but they
were not in favor of changing the name to Raven Road. The Committee's comments will
be forwarded to the Mayor for his consideration.
E. O.B. SPORTS
O.B. Sports would like to construct a golf course in the Corington area; however,
Covington Water District is unable to supply water for the development. Covington is
proposing to transfer four water rights and four water leases to the City of Aubum that
would provide 0.63 million gallons per day (mgd). The IA2 conveyance system would be
used to supply the water to the golf course. Feedback to Covington in preliminary
discussion was to involve the other IA2 parmer (Water District No. 111), that there must be
a benefit to the parmership, and that there must be no harm to Auburn to even consider
such an agreement.
The Committee asked what effect such an agreement would have on Aubum's current
water rights. Public Works Director Engler responded that we won't have feedback from
our water rights attorney (Mortimer) until the first week of May. She stated that tonight's
discussion was merely an introduction to the issue and she will keep the Committee
apprised of the situation.
F. DRAFT GRIFFIS RIGHT OF WAY USE AGREEMENT
A draf~ of a Right-of-Way Use Agreement with Griffis Construction was included in the
Committee's agenda packet. The agreement was drafted at the direction of the City
Council following a public hearing held on April 5, and provides for use of approximately
6" of right-of-way for a period of 50 years or until a building permit for reconstruction of
the west wall, whichever is sooner. Section IIB, Special Conditions, Item 4, called for a
Street Delay Agreement; however, it was suggested a No-Protest LID Agreement would be
more appropriate. It was the consensus of the Committee that the Right-of-Way Use
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITFEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1998
Page 7 of 7
Agreement meets the conditions set forth by Council, that Item II.B.4 should be stricken
and replaced with No-Protest LID language, and the Agreement should be finalized and
taken to Council at their next meeting.
G. AUBURN WAY SOUTH AND FIR STREET PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Public Works Director Engler reported that the City had been awarded $36,690 in TIB
grant funds for a pedestrian project on Aubum Way South at Fir Street. The grant was
conceived and written by the South County Improvements for Pedestrian Program (SCIPP).
In reviewing the scope of the project, the City has determined the project is not viable, and
that more money would be needed to construct improvements in this area that would be
safe for both pedestrians and for vehicular traffic. Staff has tried to identify a suitable
pedestrian project for which the funds could be used, but have been unable to identify one.
The funds must be used on a project that can be completed within the next year. The
Committee directed staff to work with TIB to see if the funds could be transferred to
another project, and that funds should be turned back to the TIB only as a last resort.
H. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Questions were raised on the following projects:
#10 - 8th NE, The report gives a completion date of April 99, but shows construction at
75%. Staff reported that they were in the process of evaluating how to remobilize the
contractor for paving. They are also looking at doing more than just patching and sealing
the roadway, and are evaluating the financial feasibility of an overlay of the entire
roadway. The Committee was supportive of the overlay, even if this work required a
budget adjustment. Mullen will pursue a change order and report back to the Committee at
the earliest opportunity.
# 12 - Green River Putrip Station. Staff is currently performing contingency planning for
the pump station. It will most likely not be completed in June.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting
was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
PM/bd
REF. H: XENGINEERXE99XE99-385 (E :XMINUTES\99PW4-1 )