HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2001CITY OF AUBURN PUBLIC WORKS COMMI'I'rEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m. Those in attendance were Mayor Booth,
Committee Chairman Rich Wagner, Council/Committee member Pete Lewis, and
Council/Committee member Sue Singer. Staff in attendance were Public Works Director
Christine Engler, Finance Director Diane Supler, City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Assistant
City Engineer Dennis Selle, Traffic Engineer Cass Brotherton, Project Engineer Ingrid
Gaub, Project Engineer Peter Gates, Project Engineer Scott Nutter, Project Engineer
Evelyn Choe, Assistant Water Utility Engineer Ryan Johnstone, Storm Drainage Engineer
Tim Carlaw, Water Utility Engineer Tim Osborne, Utilities Maintenance Engineer Gary
McConnell, and Administrative Services Supervisor Pare Miller.
Guests in attendance were Larry Bradbury, Water District No 111; Consulting Engineer
Dwight Holobaugh; Tony Melone and Jay Smith, Tetra Tech/KCM Consultants.
Chair Wagner welcomed Council/Committee member Sue Singer to the Committee, and
staff and guests in attendance introduced themselves to her.
II. CONSENT
A. AMENDMENT #1 TO AGREEMENT AG-C-126 WITH PACIFIC GROUNDWATER GROUP
(PGG) FOR CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
OF WELL #5
Amendment #1 to Agreement No. AG-C-126 with Pacific Groundwater Group (PGG) is for
work related to the maintenance and repair of Well #5, which is not a capital project. The
funding for this project comes from the Water Utility's Repairs and Maintenance budget.
The scope of work for this amendment includes work for pump evaluation, removing broken
and redundant downhole pipes which may be interfering with optimal well operation, step-
rate test with temporary pump, replacing selected pump assembly parts, and supply well
specifications. Presently 60% of this work has already been accomplished due to the
present critical state of the well. Amount of the amendment is $42,274.00, which increases
the total contract amount to $62,086. The term of the agreement is extended to January 31,
2001.
Director Engler explained that this amendment, along with other agreement amendments,
were being brought before the Committee and Council as part of the new purchasing policy
that was recently adopted by Council. Water Utility Engineer Osborne distributed and
reviewed a summary of the repair and maintenance of Well #5, along with the project cost
estimate for PGG to accomplish tasks related to the well. He stated that the well should be
up and running by January 17, and that it is hoped that field tests will show increased
capacity.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Pago 2 of 11
Larry Bradbury, Water District No. 111, asked if static levels were dropping in any other
wells. Director Engler responded that Well #1 had been experiencing problems until it was
taken off line, and that no other wells am experiencing dropping levels. In response to a
question from Council/Committee member Singer, Engler responded that the pumping
equipment and the screens are not maintained on a regular basis because the physical
natures of the installations do not lend themselves to regular removal and inspection of the
equipment. Instead, the water levels and water quality of the wells are closely monitored,
and certain irregularities would cause an investigation.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council
approve Amendment #1 to Agreement AG-C-126 with Pacific Groundwater Group. Motion
carried.
B. AMENDMENT #5 TO AGREEMENT AG-C-14 WITH ECONOMIC & ENGINEERING
SERVICES (EES) FOR CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO PR 629, CORROSION
CONTROL TREATMENT FACILITIES, AND C0018, FULMER FIELD/8TM STREET NE
CONNECTOR
Amendment #5 to Agreement No. AG-C-14 with Economic and Engineering Services, Inc.
(EES) is for work related to Project Nos. PR 629, Corrosion Control Treatment Facilities, and
C0018, Fulmer Field/8th Street NE Connector.
The scope of work for the amendment includes work that has already been accomplished
for final design of the Fulmer Field and Coal Creek Springs Corrosion Control Treatment
facilities, and includes gas chlorination design; the switchover, as requested by the Public
Works Committee, to a hypochlorite system; additional landscaping due to SEPA
requirements; design of a 20-inch connection; and a management reserve fund of $10,000.
Amount of the amendment is $82,165, which increases the total contract amount to
$1,315,041. The term of the agreement is extended to June 1, 2001.
In response to a question from Chair Wagner, Project Engineer Choe responded that the
unanticipated additional landscaping consisted of a 5-foot strip of landscaping along the
property line as required by SEPA.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council
approve Amendment #5 to Agreement AG-C-14 with Economic and Engineering Services,
Inc. Motion carried.
C. AMENDMENT #7 TO AGREEMENT AG-C-58 WITH TETRA TECH/KCM, INC., FOR
CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO THE CITY'S STORMWATER COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
Amendment #7 to Agreement No. AG-C-58 with Tetra Tech/KCM, Inc., is for work related to
the City's Stormwater Comprehensive Plan. This amendment supersedes and voids
Amendment ~.
The scope of work for this amendment is increased to include addressing comments from
the public and Public Works Committee regarding the SEPA environmental review and other
related items. The majodty of this work has already been accomplished due to Amendment
#6 being approved. Amendment #7 is in the amount of $153,432 and, by voiding
PUBLIC WORKS COMMI'I'rEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Page 3 of 11
amendment #6 ($266,822), brings the total contract amount to $619,383. The term of the
agreement is extended to January 31, 2001.
Storm Drainage Engineer Carlaw distributed a revised agenda bill that included budget
information. He explained that, consistent with the new procedure for issuing agreements
on a yearly basis, amendment #7 will cut back on work that was anticipated to be
accomplished in 2000, but was not completed under Amendment ~, and will bring the work
authorization through the end of January. It is anticipated a new agreement for remaining
work to complete the effort will be brought before the Committee at their meeting on January
22.
In response to a question from Chair Wagner, Carlaw explained that the pdor yeare' budget,
as shown on the revised agenda bill, dates back to 1997. He further explained that the new
agreement would have an emphasis on gathering information on existing facilities in
annexed areas of the City. Cadaw clarified for Council/Committee member Lewis that while
voiding amendment #6 and approving amendment #7 for a lesser amount reduces the
overall contract amount, the new agreement, anticipated to be approximately $139,000, will
increase the overall amount by about $25,000. Some of the increased cost is due to
receiving more response to the Plan than anticipated.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council
approve amendment #7 to Agreement AG-C-58 with Tetra Tech/KCM, Inc. Motion carried.
D. AMENDMENT #15 TO AGREEMENT AG-C-18 WITH SVERDRUP CIVIL, INC. FOR
CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO PR 562, DESIGN OF THE SOUTH 277TM
STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Amendment #15 to Agreement No. AG-C-18 with Sverdrup Civil, Inc. is for work related to
Project No. PR 562 for the design of the South 277th Street Reconstruction Project.
The scope of work for this amendment includes the following updates and changes:
Redesign of the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Sante Fe railroad bridges, design
changes to the 54-inch Mill Creek sewer line and a 24-inch temporary sewer line,
modifications due to changes from right-of-way negotiations, wetland delineation and
survey, potholing coordination, 44th Street NW bridge repair, wetland and floodplain
mitigation modifications, 404 Permit application update, update of the King County Clearing
and Grading Permit, and a management reserve fund. This scope of work is expected to
take the project into construction. The redesign will be done in such a way as to give the
City the most flexibility in being able to phase the construction of this project.
Amount of the amendment is $498,250, increasing the total contract amount to $5,125,600.
The term of the agreement is extended to June 30, 2001.
Project Engineer Nutter gave an update on the South 277th Street Reconstruction Project,
stating that Sverdrup is working on the final design elements to bring the plan to 100%. He
stated that issues that have arisen from working with multiple agencies such as King County
Metro (KC Metro) and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) have resulted in an increase in consulting
fees; however, the design is on schedule. Nutter reviewed modifications to the design,
stating that the modifications will result in more flexibility during construction.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Pago 4 of t t
Funding issues and the need to obligate $13.8 million in FMSIB funds awarded to Auburn
and $1.9 in Congested Corridor Relief funds awarded to Kent for this project were
discussed. Nutter stated that the City of Kent is still working on the intedocal agreement to
transfer lead agency status for the project to Kent. Until an agreement is in place, the City
of Auburn will maintain lead agency status, and will be appearing before the Increase
Committee of the State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) on January 25 to request
additional grant funds. To ensure that grant funds are not lost, the project must continue to
move forward.
The Mayor stated that the funding issues are further complicated by the missing lanes that
tie in from the South 277th Street bddge east of Auburn Way North that was constructed by
the City of Kent. Council/Committee member Lewis asked for the cost of the missing
section. Finance Director Supler stated that the Finance Committee has asked for a recap
page on obligation of funds, where project general funds should be, and to better summarize
results of commitment of dollars in the capital fund. She stated that she would have
something for the Finance Committee by January 16 and anticipates getting it in Council
packets this week so that all Councilmembers receive it simultaneously.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council
approve amendment #15 to Agreement AG-C-15 with Sverdrup Civil, Inc. Motion carried.
E. PERMISSION TO SOLICIT BIDS FROM PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS FOR PR 629,
CORROSION CONTROL TREATMENT FACILITIES AND C0018, 8th STREET NE 14-INCH
PIPELINE CONNECTION IMPROVEMENT
This project includes the construction of two corrosion control treatment facilities, one at the
existing Coal Creek Spdngs Pump Station and the other adjacent to Fulmer Field Park. The
facilities are designed to reduce the corrosiveness of Auburn's water, which will prevent the
leaching of copper from customer's piping and fixtures. The City and the Department of
Health agreed, in the Bilateral Compliance Agreement, that the best approach was to adjust
the pH level of the major water sources of the Auburn water distribution system. This will
reduce the corrosiveness of the water in the overall water distribution system in order to
bring Auburn into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act's Lead and Copper Rule.
The work involves the installation of new and modified water piping; the construction of the
treatment buildings and clearwells; installation of air stripping towers, pumps, standby
generators, and hypo-chlorite generation (only at the Fulmer Field site); site grading, gravel
surfacing, paving and landscaping.
This project also includes pipeline work for C0018, 8th NE 14-inch Pipeline Connection
Improvement, which involves replacing approximately 35 LF of the existing 14-inch pipeline
with a 20-inch pipeline to conform to the standards in the City's 2000 Water Comprehensive
Plan.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Pago ~ of 11
The project was advertised for pre-qualification of bidders on January 5, 2001. The qualified
bidders will be selected on January 26, 2001 and will be invited to submit bids. The
anticipated bid opening is on February 26, 2001. The construction of the project is
estimated to take 14 months. Per the Bilateral Compliance Agreement, the project is
required to be constructed by July, 2002.
The project is being funded entirely by the City of Aubum Water Utility. The budget
information shown is for both PR 629 and C0018. The PR 629 fund is for both the
Corrosion Control Treatment Facilities, as well as improvements made to Well 2 of the
recently completed C9009, Well 2 and Well 6 Project. The C0018 fund is for the 8th NE
14-inch Pipeline Connection Improvement only.
Project Engineer Choe gave an update on the project, stating that prequalification has been
advertised and qualifications should be received by January 19. In response to a question
from Chair Wagner, Choe briefly summarized the prequalification criteria.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council grant
permission to solicit bids from prequalified bidders for PR 629. Motion carried.
F. PERMISSION TO SOLICIT BIDS FROM THE SMALL WORKS ROSTER FOR PROJECT
NO. PR 601, IA3 ALGONA INTERTIE PROJECT
This Consent Agenda Item was transmitted via Agenda Modification.
Project No. PR 601 provides for construction of piping and meters for a water supply intertie
between the City of Auburn and the City of AIgona. It consists of the supply and
construction of two below-grade metedng vaults, including meters, strainers, remote-read
registers, and all associated piping and appurtenances. Construction will start in February
and be complete in March. A budget adjust of $123,300 from the 430 Water Fund will be
required this year to fund the project.
Project Engineer Gates used a map to indicate where the City's water system interconnects
with Algona. Director Engler stated that the project has a long history, which began with the
IA3 agreement executed with Algona. In the past, an attempt was made to create a
standardized vault; however, when that effort was originally advertised, the estimates
exceeded the budget. The current project represents a redesign. Gates gave a brief review
of the system to be installed, stating that the two vaults would cost approximately $47,000
each. The budget was reviewed, and it was noted that while a budget adjustment will be
required for 2001, the adjustment represents a carry over of funds appropriated but not
expended in 2000.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council grant
permission to solicit bids from the Small Works Roster for PR601. Motion carried.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Page 8 of 44
G. PERMISSION TO GO FORWARD TO COUNCIL ON JANUARY 16, 2001, WITH AN
ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 5449 TO REVISE THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION
OF THE PORTION OF A PARCEL TO BE CONDEMNED FOR PR 562, SOUTH 277TM
STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
This Consent Agenda Item was transmitted via Agenda Modification.
Ordinance No. 5449, adopted by City Council on November 6, 2000, authorized the
condemnation of a parcel related to PR 562, South 277th Street Reconstruction Project. The
ordinance is being amended to revise the legal description so that the portion of property to
be condemned is reduced in size to minimize the impacts to the structure located on the
property.
Project Engineer Nutter distributed a map illustrating the parcel and permanent easement
being sought. He stated that an historic building, as designated by the King County Historic
Registry, is located on the parcel, and that the original legal description would encumber the
house, which was going to be relocated to maintain its historical significance. Relocation of
the house was a condition placed on the environmental determination by King County.
However, the property owner does not want to move the house, and by law, the City cannot
move the house against the owner's wishes or tell the owner where the house should be
moved. Possible measures to mitigate the County's condition were discussed.
Nutter stated that, in association with the modified easement, the redesign includes
construction of a gravel driveway for shared use for the City to maintain the ditch and
drainage along the fill, and installation of a small rock retaining wall and culvert to minimize
the proximity of the fill to the house.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee grant permission to staff to
go forward to Council on January 16, 2001, with an ordinance to amend Ordinance
No. 5449. Motion carried.
III. ISSUES
A. ORDINANCE NO. 5499, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH
BNSF AND FUNDING OBLIGATION FOR PR 562, SOUTH 277TM STREET
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed after Issue Item B.
Ordinance No. 5499 authorizes the Mayor to sign a "Construction and Maintenance
Agreement" between the City and BNSF Railway. The agreement allows the City to
construct a grade separated crossing of South 277th Street from the BNSF Railway, which is
part of PR 562, South 277"' Street Reconstruction Project. The agreement addresses the
work to be done by the City to construct the elevated crossing and the Railway to remove
the existing at-grade crossing, and provides for the funding obligation from BNSF of
$1,200,000 for construction of the grade separation portion of the project. This funding is
part of the anticipated budget for the South 277th Street Reconstruction project.
Project Engineer Nutter stated that the $1.2 million in funds from BNSF were anticipated in
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Pago 7 of 4 t
the project budget. In response to a question from Chair Wagner, Nutter responded that the
same type of agreement is needed with the Union Pacific Railroad (UP), however, the UP is
not being as responsive, so the issue will be going to court via the condemnation process.
He stated that the UP disagrees with the amount of $1.2 million, but that the amount was
designated by the FAST Partnership for this particular project. Director Engler stated her
belief that if the UP does not meet their funding obligation, that FAST will find a way to fund
it. It is anticipated this issue will be brought to the next FAST meeting on January 10 as an
action item.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council adopt
Ordinance No. 5499. Motion carried.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 3314 FIXING A TIME FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON STREET
VACATION REQUEST V-01-01, AUBURN LAWN AND GARDEN
This Issue Agenda Item was transmitted via Agenda Modification. For the purpose of these
minutes, this item was discussed after Consent Item G.
Resolution No. 3314 fixes a time for a public hearing on February 20, 2001, at 7:30 p.m., on
the petition from Auburn Lawn and Garden for vacation of a portion of the north side of
1 st Street SW, between 'C' and 'D' Streets SW.
Project Engineer Gaub explained that the street vacation request is part of the settlement for
a partial take on 'C' Street SW for PR 529, 3~d Street SW Grade Separation ProjeCt. She
stated that there is only one utility located within the property to be vacated, a water line on
the south edge, and it is recommended the City maintain an easement for it. She talked
with AT&T, Qwest, and PSE, all of whom responded that they do not have utilities in the
area. The property owner has agreed to relocate the sidewalk in the vacated area so that it
is located along the curb and gutter line, and it is recommended as a condition of the
vacation. Vacation of the property will give Auburn Lawn and Garden more room for parking
and better circulation through their parking area based on their current approved plan. In
response to a question from Council/Committee member Singer, Gaub responded that the
property owner, as part of the settlement, will be demolishing a portion of their building
located closest to 'C' Street SW.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council adopt
Resolution No. 3314. Motion carried.
Prior to moving to the Information/Discussion Agenda, Council/Committee member Lewis
asked if the City was monitoring disruption to Wayland Arms, from a noise standpoint, as a
result of the 3rd Street SW Grade Separation Project. Assistant City Engineer Selle stated
that the noise from the trains far exceeds any impacts of construction or post-construction
conditions. He said that the noise level was measured and recorded as part of the required
environmental documents, and will be measured again upon completion of the project.
IV. INFORMATION OR DISCUSSION
A. RESPONSE TO ISSUES RAISED IN MEMO FROM COUNCILMEMBER POE
Director Engler stated that she would address issues raised in a memo from Councilmember
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Page 8 of 11
Poe to the Committee, Councilmember Singer, and the Mayor, by bringing sufficient
information, and sources of further information, to their attention so that the concerns can be
laid to rest. She began by reviewing an organizational chart of the Public Works
Department, which is the largest department in the City. She review the chart, discussed
the responsibilities of key positions, and distributed resumes for herself, City Engineer
Dowdy, Water Utility Engineer Osborne, Utilities Maintenance Engineer McConnell, and for
members of the Water Comprehensive Plan team, which includes Don Wright, Consulting
Engineer, and Dave Harms and Lara (McKinnon) Kammereck of Roth Hill.
She stated that when she came to the City, she built upon the ideas of City Engineer Dowdy
to initiate program/project management concepts. She explained that prior to hiring Utilities
Maintenance Engineer McConnell, the Water Utility's engineering and construction activities
had been occurring under the Utilities Engineer, while the day-to-day operations of the
Water Utility were completely separate and occurring under the direction of the Water
Supervisor, who reported directly to the Public Works Director. The new organization
bridges the gap created by the lack of coordination between the maintenance and
operations perspective and the engineering perspective. The Water Supervisor and
Sewer/Storm Supervisor report to the Utilities Maintenance Engineer, who reports to the
Director.
Another change made, based on this same philosophy, was to reassign the Street Division
to the Traffic Section so that the Traffic Engineer is the program manager for all street and
transportation related activities.
Engler stated that the current staffing could be complemented by additional specialized
positions; however, she also stated her belief that the Committee has shown a reluctance to
add staff, due to their efforts to keep Water Utility costs down. She identified current staffing
needs, which are comprised of an Environmental Compliance Officer, which would be
partially funded by the Water Utility; a Water Division Manager, so that the Water Division
Supervisor could take over more of the field operations related to newly-established
programs; and an Assistant Water Utility Engineer to manage new mandated programs such
as conservation and water resources protection. Also, the two new treatment facilities and
the dead-end flushing program will require more maintenance staff. Engler reviewed the
status of the vacant Utilities Engineer position, stating that she has been working with the
Human Resources Department to analyze the reason for a lack of success in recruiting for
the position, and they have been trying to restructure the position to turn it into another
Assistant City Engineer position for utilities. Should an Environmental Compliance Officer
position be created, that position would report to the Utilities Engineer.
Councilmember Poe's memo referred to the loss of three utilities engineers. While the City
did, indeed, lose Lara McKinnon, Water Utility Engineer, the City gained Tim Osborne,
Water Utility Engineer, and Gary McConnell, Utilities Maintenance Engineer. Engler thought
Mr. Poe perhaps was also referring to Carl Every, however, he was a project engineer who
focused on water utility projects, and since he left, the City has gained project management
staff Scott Nutter, Evelyn Choe, Peter Gates, and Laura Philpot.
In response to a question from the Committee, Engler responded that Program
Management is where one position is responsible for the entire program of activities that are
put in the budget. For Transportation, the Traffic Engineer oversees all activities included in
the Street and Transportation areas of the budget, from filling potholes to designing South
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Page 9 of '1 '1
277th Street. Other program managers include Storm Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw, Water
Utility Engineer Tim Osborne, and Sewer Utility Engineer Jeff Roscoe.
Next, Director Engler and Utilities Maintenance Engineer McConnell, reviewed the following
programs, which had been summarized on a listing of McConnell's accomplishments, which
was also handed out:
Hydrant Inspection and Testing Program. The program has been operating semi-annually
since it was established in 1998. McConnell gave a brief review of data that can be
generated by information collected in the field and entered into a database. He said that he
had polled other cities to compare Auburn's procedures to theirs, and found that Anacortes
and East Wenatchee do not have inspection/testing programs; Kent checks their hydrants
every two years; the City of Lacey's goal is to check them every five years, but is actually
checking them every ten years; and Tacoma and Tukwila check them every two years. City
of Seattle checks their hydrants once a year, but it is not a full test. Their tests are
conducted by the Fire Department, who turns on the hydrants to see if they are working.
Auburn checked 54% of its hydrants in 1999, and the remainder in 2000. Per GIS records,
the City had 2,250 hydrants; however, during actual inspections, it was found that the City
has 2,422 hydrants which are all now entered into the City's GIS system. The City of
Auburn inspects many elements of the hydrants, from the condition of the paint to stem
packing and threads.
Dead Fnd Main Flushing Program. Engler reported that an engineering consultant was
hired to inventory and update the system and develop specific and appropriate procedures
for each of over 400 dead-ends. The flushing program was discontinued this year, due to
the need to de-chlorinate the flushed water before releasing it into the environment. The
program will be resumed once this issue has been resolved.
Cross Connection and Control Program. The program has been in existence, and has
employed the same Cross Connection Specialist, Dan Blancas, for 16 years. The program
includes an annual notification to property owners regarding the requirement for back flow
prevention devices. Chair Wagner asked if the property owners comply. Director Engler
responded that the City has first, second, and third notices that are sent out; however, there
is little ability to enforce the requirement since the civil penalties are not very onerous. Chair
Wagner commented that perhaps the City could look at higher civil penalties in the future.
Utilities Maintenance Engineer McConnell reported that the City had 18 back flow devices
on record in 1985, and currently has 1,735 on record. Council/Committee member Lewis
asked if property owners really understand what it is when they get the notifications, and
asked if there is a way to track the percentage of property owners who respond to the
notices. Director Engler responded that there is a need for the department to work more
closely with the community and public, which is a part of public education that still needs to
be addressed. Chair Wagner asked if water could be shut off to those property owners that
do not comply; however, it was noted that many of the property owners live elsewhere and
the tenants would be the ones who would be affected.
Unaccounted For Water: Since McConnell came on board in 1999, the program has
resulted in Unaccounted For Water being reduced to under 5%. McConnell stated that most
system loss comes from leaks in the system, and the City has adopted an aggressive leak
detection program. The percentage of loss is based on production versus sales. According
to the American Water Works Association, annual loss can be as high as 15%-20%.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Page '10 of 1 t
Auburn's loss record from 1995 through 1999 was reviewed. The rates ranged from a high
of 16.8% in 1998 to a low of 4.1% in 1999. In response to a question regarding the dramatic
decrease from 1998 to 1999, McConnell responded that in addition to adopting an
aggressive leak detection program, the City replaced or rebuilt the source meters and will re-
calibrate the meters annually for more accurate figures. It was also noted that several
significant system leaks were discovered and repaired.
Following the presentation, Director Engler encouraged Committee members to contact her
or other staff at any time when they have questions, and stated that she would present more
information to the Committee in the future. Chair Wagner asked that the information
presented at the meeting be made available to all Councilmembers.
B. STORM DRAINAGE CIP PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA
Storm Drainage Engineer Cadaw stated that the presentation would be a follow-up to the
Storm Drainage Comp Plan presentation on November 27, 2000. At that meeting, the Plan
was presented and copies distributed to the Committee, along with a list of 68 projects that
were grouped acCording to when they would be implemented. During that presentation,
Committee members expressed a desire to look at the criteria used to rank the projects.
Carlaw stated the purpose of the January 8th presentation would be to go through the
criteria, solicit input, and then follow up with additional work to re-priodtize the projects. He
then re-introduced Tony Melone and Jay Smith of Tetra Tech/KCM.
Carlaw distributed a list of the 17 ranking criteria, along with a brief description of each
criterion. He also distributed the Project Group Ranking for 2001-2006 CIP and Remaining
Recommended Projects. Jay Smith briefly reviewed the criteria, and a discussion ensued
about how the severity and frequency of flooding is taken into consideration. Due to time
constraints, discussion on this issue was brief. Chair Wagner asked that enough time be
allocated at a future meeting to discuss the issue further, and to include not only the criteria,
but the weighting factors.
Timing for bringing the issue back to the Committee was discussed. Storm Drainage
Engineer Carlaw stated that traditionally, he would be getting new projects underway at this
time of year, but that without clear direction from the Committee, he is unable to move
forward with new projects. He stated the Comp Plan is on track and should be substantially
complete by May. The Committee asked that Carlaw brief them on the 2001 capital storm
projects at their next meeting.
C. COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN DRAFT - SUPPLY CRITERIA
Due to time constraints this item was not discussed. Director Engler did state that she had
not yet finalized the letter responses to Water District No. 111 's and the Tribe's comments
on the Comprehensive Water Plan, because she had not yet received input that she was
expecting from Councilmembers Poe and Lewis. Direction from the Committee was to go
ahead and prepare the responses.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2001
Page t 1 of 11
D. Water Utility Engineer Osbome stated that the City should receive comments on the
Comprehensive Water Plan from the Department of Health by the end of this month. He
stated that they are about two-thirds of the way through the Plan and foresee no real
problems.
E. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Due to time constraints, this item was not discussed.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting
was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
PM/bd
REF. H:\ENGINEER\E01\E01-25 (E:\MINUTES\01PW1-1 )