HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-2000CitY Of AUBURN PUBLIC WORKS COMMI-I-I'EE MINUTES
JULY 24, 2000
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m. Those in attendance were Mayor Booth,
Committee Chairman Rich Wagner, Council/Committee member Fred Poe, and Council
member Sue Singer, substituting for Council/Committee member Pete Lewis, whose
absence was excused. Staff in attendance were Public Works Director Christine Engler,
Finance Director Diane Supler, Planning Director Paul Krauss, City Engineer Dennis
Dowdy, Assistant City Engineer Dennis Selle, Water Utility Engineer Tim Osborne,
Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Project Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Assistant Project
Engineer Laura Philpot, Project Engineer Scott Nutter, Project Engineer Peter Gates,
Contract Engineer Don Wright, and Administrative Services Supervisor Pam Miller.
Guests in attendance were Water Rights Attorney Tom Mortimer; Lara McKinnon, Roth Hill;
Mark Utting and Jim Mathieu, Pacific Groundwater Group; Scott Perry, Harris & Associates;
Dwight Holobaugh, Consulting Engineer, and Les Hoffer, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe; Larry
Bradbury, Water District No. 111.
Discussion was held on the order in which the agenda would be discussed. Tim Osborne,
newly-hired Water Utility Engineer, was introduced to the Committee.
II. CONSENT
A. AWARD CONTRACT 99-01, PROJECT NO. PR529, 3RD STREET SW GRADE
SEPARATION PROJECT, TO THE APPARENT LOW BIDDER
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed after Information/Discussion
Item C.
The purpose of this project is to realign the westbound ramps from SR 18 to intersect with
the existing 3r~ Street/'C' Street SW intersection and grade separate 3r~ Street SW from the
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway line. An agenda modification transmitting a revised
agenda bill along with attachments related to project costs and bid/funding evaluation, was
distributed to the Committee. The agenda bill recommended award of Contract 99-01 to
Robison Construction, Inc., on an award amount of $14,968,145.36 plus state sales tax of
$1,162,652.41 for a total award of $16,130,797.77 and an award subject to available funding
of $1,043,929.06 plus state sales tax of $45,536.51 for a total award subject to available
funding of $1,089,465.57.
This is based on their Iow bid of $16,125,553.02 plus state sales tax of $1,217,862.08 for a
total bid price of $17,342,415.10. It is recommended that Schedule H, items 1 through 12
be deleted and Schedules F-l, F-2, F-3, and G and Schedule A, items 55 and 184, and
Schedule B, items 162, 166, 167, 169, and 184 be awarded subject to available funding.
Project Engineer Gaub reviewed the bid and staff recommendation. The budget status
indicates a funding shortfall of $2.6 million if all bid schedules are awarded. This shortfall
can be eliminated by employing options to bring the cost down and having the City
participate in $1.03 million of the cost.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Page 2 of 7
JULY 24, 2000
One of the first options to be discussed involved the City maintaining ownership of the City
streets located within the State Limited Access Area of the project. Keeping the right-of-way
in City ownership for 'C' Street SW and 3r~ Street SW, rather than transferring it to the State,
would result in an immediate savings of $450,000 in sales tax, but the City must be
responsible for the maintenance and inspection of 4 additional bridges; maintenance costs
for roadway surfacing on 3r~ and 'C' Streets; and maintenance of the walls and curb, gutter,
guardrails, and barriers. These maintenance and inspection responsibilities are estimated
to cost $150,000 over a ten-year period.
Several of the options include delaying or reducing enhancements such as landscaping,
decorative hand railings, and truss and pylons on the bridges. Planning Director Krauss
expressed concern over delaying or reducing these enhancements, since they were a major
focus of the Downtown Plan Task Force, a citizen committee that was involved in the design
of the project. Councilmember Singer served on the Task Force, and voiced her concerns,
also.
Director Engler emphasized that staff is proposing all of the options be awarded, however,
award will be subject to available funding. The possibility of gateway funding or securing
enhancement funds from sources such as the Interagency Committee for Outdoor
Recreation (lAC) was discussed.
The staff recommendation for awarding the project was discussed further, and the
Committee acknowledged the importance of aesthetics. The possibility of installing black
vinyl fencing along 'C' Street SW rather than the aluminum hand railing, and using a change
in materials or painted concrete to enhance the railing on 3r~ Street SW was discussed.
Chair Wagner asked about a breakdown of the costs for the bridge enhancements. Gaub
stated that the pylons were approximately $140,000, the truss was $100,000, and the
decorative railing was $250,000.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council award
the project per the staff recommendation, but that the pylons on the bridges be included in
the award, thus increasing the City participation in the project; that an attempt to negotiate
landscaping costs be made; that staff proceed with maintaining City ownership of 'C' and 3rd
Streets SW; and the remainder of the options be awarded subject to availability of funding.
Motion carried.
CHANGE ORDERS #1 AND #2 TO CONTRACT 99-27, C.A. GOODMAN
CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT NO. C9001, CENTRAL STORM IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE
1F
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed after Information/Discussion Item
B. A vicinity map and copies of Change Orders #1 and #2 were distributed to the
Committee via agenda modification.
The purpose of this project is to complete conveyance storm sewer lines from the
intersection of West Main and 'H' St. NW to the intersection of 'C' St. SW and 1st St. SW
and will complete a portion of the Central Storm Comp. Plan. This will alleviate the existing
flooding problems within the basin and will also serve as an outlet for PR 529 improvements
and the Sound Transit improvements west of the BNSF rail lines. Also included with this
project are the replacement and repair of damaged sanitary sewer mains, installing 8-inch
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Page 3 of 7
JULY 24, 20OO
Co
diameter water conveyance lines to enhance pressure and service to hydrants, and Half
Street Improvements to the east half of 'D' Street SW from West Main Street to 1st Street
SW.
Change Order #1, in the amount of $35,056.88, is for the purpose of replacing an existing
sanitary sewer from the alley located south of West Main Street and west of 'G' Street SW to
'G' Street SW and West Main Street. Change Order #2, in the amount of $11,178.36, is for
the purpose of relocating the existing water line in the alley located south of West Main
Street and west of 'G' Street SW to 'G' Street SW. The property owner with facilities on both
sides of the alley has requested that the City relocate the waterline at the property owner's
expense with this project in order to make the alley a better candidate for vacation. There
was no discussion.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council approve
Change Orders No. 1 and No. 2 to Contract 99-27. Motion carried.
CHANGE ORDER #2 TO CONTRACT 00-06, MER-CON INC., PROJECT NO. C8065, 15th
STREET NW PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
A revised agenda bill and copies of change order #2 were distributed to the Committee via
agenda modification.
The purpose of this project is to improve the sidewalk on the north side of 15th NW from the
east side of the BNSF overpass to 'M' Street NW, improving both railroad bridges to meet
ADA requirements. This included relocating the pedestrian railing to the outside of the north
bridge face and construction of two wheelchair turnaround/passing areas. The Contractor
experienced difficulty in demonstrating an adequate approach to the widening over the
railroad ROW with the permits provided by the City. The construction of these passing
areas on the bridge decks probably was not adequately addressed in the plans for the
difficulty of the work, and with an error in the construction quantities, it appears that about
$30,000 would be required to complete this work as designed. Staff recommends redesign
of the improvements to complete the intended ADA improvements. This change order #2
would delete the passing areas and widen the sidewalk by encroaching into the roadway 8
inches to meet the ADA requirements to preclude the need for the passing areas. The
proposed improvements would also provide a raised curb, adding to the pedestrian safety
on the bridges. The proposed change order will cost $25,455.
In response to a question from Council/Committee member Poe, City Engineer Dowdy
responded that there is sufficient roadway width to accommodate widening the sidewalk and
building the curb in the traffic lane.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council approve
Change Order No. 2 to Contract 00-06. Motion carried.
D. AMENDMENT #1 TO AG-C-110, TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS NW
A revised Exhibit 'A' Scope of Work was distributed to the Committee via agenda
modification.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Page 4 of 7
JULY 24, 2000
III.
A.
Numbers recently provided by Sound Transit show an unmet need of approximately 200
parking stalls on opening day (September 18, 2000) of the commuter rail station. Without
an immediate proactive plan by the City, the commuters will potentially take a significant
amount of the downtown business parking. There is a need to develop a plan to address
the parking needs of commuters while also meeting the needs of the downtown business
owners, employees and residents. Amendment #1 covers additional engineering services
to develop strategies to get the most use from the City-owned lots, enforcement
recommendations, and other short- and long-range strategies for parking to maximize
success of the commuter rail program while protecting downtown businesses' parking for
customers and employees.
Transportation Consulting NW's (TCNW) contract does not include this work, but due to the
proximity and experience of the company, could deliver the plan in the very short timeline
required. Current City staff does not have the time or expertise to complete this study.
TCNW will work closely with City staff and build upon staff expertise and previous studies.
The study will provide the City with the needed information to work with Sound Transit to
develop short- and long-term strategies that will protect businesses while meeting the needs
of the commuters. It will enable the station to operate successfully and help in the
revitalization of downtown. The City can implement minor strategies, such as striping and
signs, with funds budgeted for Street Division operations and maintenance.
Total compensation for services under this amendment would not exceed $20,000 from the
Downtown Revitalization fund. There was no discussion.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council approve
Amendment No. 1 to AG-C-II0. Motion carried.
ISSUES
RESOLUTION NO. 3242, ENGINEERING SERVICES AND MODIFICATION AGREEMENT
WITH PUGET SOUND ENERGY FOR TRANSMISSION LINE RELOCATION RELATED TO
PROJECT NO. PR 562, SOUTH 277TM STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Resolution No. 3242 authorizes the Mayor to execute an "Engineering Services and
Modification Agreement" with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) for Project Number PR 562, South
277th Street Reconstruction Project. The Agreement provides for PSE to complete the
design and, upon City of Auburn approval and a supplemental agreement for the final
estimated costs of construction, to construct the modifications necessary to relocate the high
power overhead facilities that cross S. 277th Street. Construction of these modifications is at
the sole cost of the project because all facilities are located within PSE Right-of-Way or
Railroad Rights-of-Way. The power lines must be elevated from their current location in
order to allow the overpasses currently proposed on the 277th Street Project.
This draft agreement is currently being reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration for
approval of advanced construction of this work. There was no discussion.
It was moved by Poe, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council adopt
Resolution No. 3242. Motion carried.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Page 5 of 7
JULY 24, 2000
IV.
A.
INFORMATION OR DISCUSSION
PGG GROUNDWATER MODEL PRESENTATION
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed first on the meeting's agenda.
Water Rights Attorney Tom Mortimer stated that Pacific Groundwater Group (PGG) would
be giving a presentation on the characterization study, covering how the model was built
and how it will operate. He said that following the presentation, an executive session would
be called so that he could share attorney-client privileged information related to litigation.
Mark Utting began the PGG presentation by giving background information on the project,
which was initially developed to support water rights applications by quantifying available
groundwater and to calculate wellhead protection capture zones. The focus of the
investigations changed to include effects on the White and Green River systems when the
Department of Ecology (DOE) changed its water rights policy. This focus change was also
driven by threatened and endangered species listings.
Jim Mathieu, PGG staff member that developed the model, spoke about the team effort
involved in its development, which required taking information collected by the City and
PGG, and putting that information into a mathematical model that simulates hydrologic
processes. He explained how the model was set up by defining the physical boundaries, 8
layers that represent hydrostratigraphic units, and a grid system of approximately 160,000
cells, and reviewed the types of data entered into the model, and data generated by the
model. He discussed uses for the model, which include identifying river reaches that will be
affected by pumping City wells; quantifying the amount of groundwater captured by wells
that would otherwise flow to river reaches; identifying the well locations, pumping rates, and
schedules that would minimize impacts to the Green and White River systems; and
providing data that can be used to support permitting for additional water rights.
Following the presentation, PGG staff answered questions from the Committee.
At 3:55 p.m., an executive session was called to share attorney-client privileged information
related to this ESA risk management product developed in anticipation of litigation.
The meeting resumed at 4:15 p.m.
B. SIX-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussion after Consent Item A.
Public Works Director Engler informed the Committee that the City has been asked by the
Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), a state funding agency who has funds involved in
both 3rd Street SW and South 277th Street, to consider giving up the lead agency status for
the South 277th Street project. TIB has asked permission from the City to set up a meeting
with King County and the City of Kent to discuss this issue. TIB indicated that they would be
receptive to the City coming back to them for additional funds for 3rd Street SW, if the City
gave up lead agency status and dedicated their tentative commitment of $2 million for South
277th, to both projects in the amount of $1 million each. Implications to the City were
discussed. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to have TIB set up
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Page 6 of 7
JULY 24, 2000
a meeting between the City of Auburn, King County, and City of Kent to discuss transfer of
lead agency to the County or City of Kent.
Transportation Planner Joe Welsh distributed a revised copy of the TIP, which was updated
in anticipation of Committee support of the staff recommendation for 3rd Street SW. It did
not reflect the cost of the pylons, which was added back in to the project by the Committee,
and assumes a City investment of slightly over $1 million. In addition, the revised TIP
reflected an assumption of $1 million in City funds for South 277th Street with the project
being assumed by another lead agency.
The Committee stated they were in agreement with the TIP as presented.
C. CHAPTER 10, WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed after Information/Discussion
Item A.
Lara McKinnon, Roth Hill, reviewed Chapter 10 of the 2000 Comprehensive Water Plan,
entitled "Recommended Improvements." She stated that the draft being reviewed is a
working document, with additional analysis still to be completed, and discussed the analysis
and development of the capital improvement program. She then reviewed each service
area and their recommended improvements, and explained differences between the 1995
and 2000 Plans. The Committee expressed difficulty in identifying developer-funded
projects, and asked if those projects that are known absolutely to be City projects could be
asterisked for identification purposes. McKinnon offered to distributed Appendix C to the
Committee ahead of other materials. The appendix is a complete listing of projects that
indicates those that are developer driven.
System-wide improvements were reviewed, and the Committee discussed the overall and
annual budget for the capital improvements. In response to a question from Chair Wagner,
Finance Director Supler stated that it appears the rates set last year will be sufficient for the
next three years. In addition, the City has applied for a second Public Works Trust Fund
loan to help finance costs of the Corrosion Control Facility. There may be a need to issue
$8 million in bonds, and the City will be working with the consultant to work on a position
and come back with a recommendation.
The timeline for the Comprehensive Plan was reviewed, and it was stated that Chapter 11
will include information on bonding. Supler commented that while it is recognized that the
financing side is important, staff wants to make sure the timing of the capital projects is
agreeable to the Committee prior to working on financing issues. It was noted that the years
2001 forward have been escalated using a CPI factor by the financial consultant to estimate
future dollars in those years.
The Committee was asked to give their comments on Chapter 10 by July 31, and were
reminded that they will have an opportunity to make additional comments when they review
the Plan in its entirety.
D. UPDATE ON MARKET PLACE ACCESS
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed following the Issue Agenda.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
Page 7 of 7
JULY 24, 2OOO
City Engineer Dowdy reported that the consultant has submitted a final design of the 15th
Street corridor, and he distributed copies of the concept design to the Committee. The City
plans to send a letter and map of the proposed channelization plan to affected property
owners, soliciting their feedback, and has told the developer that the City will approve the
design depending on what type of feedback is received. There was a severe sight distance
problem across the Taco Bell property; however, that issue has been resolved through an
agreement between the owner of the Taco Bell property and the developer, allowing the
developer to re-landscape the area to provide proper sight distance. This commitment is
bonded by the Market Place developer with the goal of a permanent revised landscape by
occupancy.
E. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Chair Wagner commented that the Lakeland water line project along East Valley Highway
does not show up on the status report. Staff responded that the project has not yet been
initiated within the Public Works Department pending mid-year budget adjustment approval.
It was noted that work on the Kersey Way project started today, and that there would likely
be some one-way traffic this week.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting
was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
PM/bd
REF. H:\ENGINEER\E00\E00-775 (E:\MINUTES\00PW7-2)