HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-2001 CITY OF AUBURN PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
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 Pete Lewis, and
Council/Committee member Sue Singer. Staff in attendance were Public Works Director
Christine Engler, Planning Director Paul Krauss, Acting Finance Director Shelley Coleman,
City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Assistant City Engineer Dennis Selle, Transportation Planner
Joe Welsh, Water Utility Engineer Tim Osborne, Storm Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw,
Water Quality Programs Coordinator Chris Thorn, Project Engineer Scott Nutter, Utility
Accountant Julie Salzman, and Administrative Services Supervisor Pam Miller.
Guests in attendance were Larry Bradbury, Water District No. 111; Dwight Holobaugh,
Consulting Engineer; Brian Winslow, Rich White; The Boeing Company; Community
Development Director Ed Davis and Public Works Director John Walsh, City of Pacific;
Doug Berschauer, Mark Comett, Parametrix; Greg O'Farrell, Terrace View; Bill Peloza;
Jerry Clyde; Shawn Bogart; Bob Coons; Denny Holt; Patricia McDonald; Jane Price;
Dawnelle Knott; Kenneth Knott; Donald Rippey.
II. APPEAL HEARING
A. REGARDING DENIAL OF HALF-STREET IMPROVEMENT DELAY REQUESTS: DONALD
RIPPEY (1814 2ND ST SE) AND KENNETH AND DAWNELL KNOTT (1908 2ND ST SE)
An appeal hearing was held regarding the denial of half-street improvement delay requests
submitted by Donald Rippey and Kenneth and Dawnell Knott. City Engineer Dowdy used
maps to indicate the location of the properties and existing improvements in the area. He
discussed the criteria used to evaluate the requests, and stated that there are no
obstructions that would prevent current City standards from being implemented at this time.
In response to questions from the Committee, Dowdy stated that street delay agreements
are limited to a term of 10 years. He said that when delay agreements were reviewed last
year at a Committee meeting, it was noted that there was not a continuity of delay
agreements to enable the City to plan and call in a majority of them to create a corridor,
limiting the possibility of an LID. Therefore, consistent with Aubum City Code Title 12,
improvements are required at the time the property is developed.
Chair Wagner called for public testimony. Mr. Ken Knott, 501 'H' Street NE, Auburn, stated
that he is the owner of property located at 1908 2"d Street SE. He distributed a packet of
materials that included reasons for their appeal; questions for the Committee; maps
illustrating current conditions, proposed improvements, and possible future improvements;
photographs of the area; and a petition signed by area residents stating their objection to the
proposed street improvements. Mr. Knott gave a bdef history of events leading up to his
request for a street delay agreement, reviewed the materials in the packet, and discussed
the reasons for his appeal.
Mr. Donald Rippey, PO Box 185, Auburn, owner of property located at 1814 2nd Street SE,
stated that no mention was made of half-street improvements at the time his building permit
was issued. His house is now nearly complete, and he said that if the improvements had
been brought up at the time of his permit, he would not have built the house.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
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The public testimony portion of the appeal hearing was closed at 4:58 p.m. The Committee
commented that they had previously directed staff to bring street delays forward, and stated
their appreciation of staff diligence in doing so. However, after considering the information
brought before them, it was the consensus of the Committee that the half-street
improvement delay requests be approved, and the Committee directed staff to draw up the
agreements. The appeal headng was closed at 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Knott thanked the Committee and expressed his appreciation for the courtesy shown to
him by City staff.
III. CONSENT
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee approve the Public Works
Committee minutes for April 9, 2001, as submitted. Motion carried.
B. SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
The Committee reviewed an agenda bill requesting permission to surplus two inkjet pdnters
belonging to Maintenance and Operations. The printers are over five years old and both of
them have broken down. Lorrie Rempher, Information Services Administrator, has ·
examined each printer and recommended replacement versus repair. One new printer has
been placed on order through a State contract. There was no discussion.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council
approve surplus of the printers. Motion carried.
C. AGREEMENT #AG-C-144 WITH FINANCIAL CONSULTING SOLUTIONS GROUP FOR
COST OF SERVICE AND RATE STUDY
Agreement No. AG-C-144 with Financial Consulting Solutions Group is for cost of service
and rate studies for the City's water and sewer utilities. A cost of service and rate study to
consider conservation pricing for water was budgeted for 2001 as one of the conservation
incentives of the Conservation Plan, Chapter 8, of the draft Comprehensive Water Plan
(OM-104). In addition, City staff and the consultant recommend that sewer rates be
examined for water conservation opportunities, as well.
The scope of work for this agreement (tasks 1 through 7) includes developing the equitable
and defensible system development charges for each utility, cost of service analyses,
alternative rate structures for each utility, and reviewing study findings with the Public Works
Committee and the City Council.
Scope and price for two optional tasks, (8 and 9) are furnished for Committee consideration.
These optional tasks are related to evaluating the cost/benefit and COS/rate impacts of
conversion to automated meter reading, in addition to the budgeted replacement of a portion
of the City's small meters.
The consultant is to complete work on tasks 1 through 7. Tasks 8 and 9 shall be authorized
only if the Public Works Committee determines that this work should proceed in order to fully
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
Page 3 of 8
consider potential benefit to the City of a new automated meter reading capital improvement
program. The total contract amount for this Agreement shall not exceed $97,760. The term
of the agreement is to December 31, 2001.
This agreement was brought before the Committee on April 9, 2001. At that time, the
Committee tabled' action on the agreement, and requested a schedule of the projected work.
Water Utility Engineer Osborne distributed copies of a Schedule of Major Tasks. The
schedule was reviewed and Committee members' concems were discussed. Following
discussion, Chair Wagner asked when a Cost of Service Study would be done this year for
the Storm Utility. Director Engler responded that a study was not scheduled for this year,
and that work this year was to verify assumptions from the previous work. It is planned to
have the Finance Department run proper assumptions with the model that already exists.
Chair Wagner asked that staff consider, during the budget process, a full Cost of Service
Study for the Storm Utility.
It was moved by Singer, seconded by Lewis, that the Committee recommend Council
approve Agreement #AG-C-144 with Financial Consulting Solutions Groups. Motion carried.
D. BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR PROJECT NO. C9058 AND AMENDMENT #2 TO AG-C-113
WITH TETRA TECH/KCM, WEST HILL SPRING STORM IMPROVEMENT
Amendment #2 to Agreement No. AG-C-113 with Tetra Tech/KCM, Inc., is for work related
to the West Hill Springs Storm Improvement project. The scope of work for this amendment
includes preparation of a Biological Evaluation (BE) addressing project impacts to Federally
listed species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The amendment is for the amount
of $6,930 and brings the total contract amount to $89,463. A budget adjustment of $8,000
was requested for Amendment # 2 and for staff time to support the amendment.
The term of the agreement is through December 31, 2001 and is not changed under this
amendment. Tasks added under this amendment are anticipated to be completed by May
22, 2001. There was no discussion.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council
approve Amendment #2 to AG-C-113 and the budget adjustment of $8,000. Motion carried.
E. PERMISSION TO AWARD PR 562, S 277TM STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, TO
MID-MOUNTAIN CONTRACTORS, INC.
City Project No. PR 562, S. 277th Street Reconstruction Project Phase I from Auburn Way
North to Frontage Road includes relieving existing and projected traffic congestion;
improving safety and access for the traveling public; increasing the region's rail freight
mobility through grade separation and enhancing service for the area's non-motodzed
transportation user.
Per Ordinance No. 5514, an Intedocal with the City of Kent related to the South 277th Street
Project, Kent must obtain consent from the City of Auburn to award the project.
Construction is anticipated to start in late May and finish in the fall of 2002.
Project Engineer Nutter distributed copies of a Budget Status Sheet, which indicates
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
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contingency budgeted with the construction work, as a payment from Metro and as force
account work. Nutter stated that since the construction contract was less than the
engineer's estimate, some grant funds are also reduced because their participation is based
on a percentage of project costs.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council grant
permission to award PR 562 to Mid-Mountain Contractors, Inc. Motion carried.
F. CITY OF AUBURN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS - PRIVATE STREET
DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PANHANDLE LOTS
Currently the design and construction standards section 2.05.1.2 (J) limits the. number of
parcel accesses that can access a pdvate street to 4 parcels. This change requests
increasing the number of parcels that can access a private street to 6 parcels.
The change is requested to allow the design standards to remain consistent with recent
changes to City Code authorizing private access tracts as a feature of subdivisions. That
addition to code allows up to 6 parcels to access the tract. As well, this also allows further
subdivision of lots that now front on a private street. There was no discussion.
It was moved by Singer, seconded by Lewis, that the Committee authorize changes to the
City of Auburn Design & Construction Standards Section 2.05.1.2 (J). Motion carded.
IV. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 3348, SAFE DRINKING WATER ACCESS AND REVIEW
SYSTEM/UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RULE (SDWARS/UCMR)
Resolution No. 3348 authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to implement such administrative
procedures as may be necessary to authorize the Water Utility to participate in the Safe
Drinking Water Access and Review System \ Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule
(SDWARS\UCMR). The Safe Drinking Water Act will require the Water Utility to analyze
samples for unregulated contaminants under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring
Rule. Reporting of analysis results to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
required to be done electronically by the laboratory that analyzes the samples. In order for
Utility staff to review the data pdor to it being forwarded to the EPA, the City Council must
authorize participation in the SDWARS\UCMR by the Utility.
Water Quality Programs Coordinator Thorn discussed the monitoring program and stated
that the EPA is requiring testing labs to send the results to the EPA electronically. The
results will be sent to an electronic holding file, where designated City staff can use a
password to check the data before it is sent on to the EPA.
It was moved by Lewis, seconded by Singer, that the Committee recommend Council adopt
Resolution No. 3348. Motion carded.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
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V. INFORMATION OR DISCUSSION
A. BRANNAN PARK BIOSWALE EASEMENT PROPOSAL
Storm Drainage Engineer Carlaw gave the Committee an update on the Brannan Park
Bioswale. He stated that the overall repair of the bioswale requires two projects. One is a
Metro connection to give the utility the ability to discharge to the sanitary sewer by permit in
the event that summer rains are encountered during the rehabilitation project. The permit
has been acquired and its duration is through the construction season this year. The Metro
connection is at 60% design level, while the plans and specs for the actual repair are ready.
Shoreline permits and SEPA are also in place.
He updated the Committee on correspondence received from the area's homeowners
association. A letter received 4/9/01 from the association stated that they would issue a
construction and temporary easement to allow the Metro connection, if the City would
construct a fence between the homes and the bioswale. A letter from them received 4/20/01
conflicted with the previous letter. Carlaw has talked with the association representative,
who advised him to move forward to secure the easement. It was the consensus of the
Committee for the City to proceed with the project.
B. WATER RIGHTS APPROACH
Director Engler reminded the Committee of previous discussions regarding the possibility of
pursuing seasonal water dghts. She reported that staff recently consulted with both the City
Attorney and Water Rights Attorney Tom Mortimer. Both attorneys reviewed the IA2
contract and advised against pursuing seasonal dghts, which would deviate from the
approach spelled out in the contract. Director Engler proposed to make a formal
recommendation, ask for buy-in from the IA2 partners, and then move forward in pursuit of
annual water rights. The Committee requested that the minutes from the October IA2
partners meeting be sent to all three parties, along with correspondence updating them on
the status of the City's pursuit of water rights. The Committee deferred making a formal
decision until the partners have had a chance to respond.
Mortimer commented that he and City Attomey Reynolds went through the IA2 contract
carefully. He stated that the pursuit of seasonal water rights would require additional
engineering and would involve costs not authorized by the contract.
C. SMALL METER REPLACEMENT
This issue was briefly discussed and then tabled at the Apdl 9, 2001, Public Works
Committee meeting. At that time, the Committee asked for more information regarding cost
benefit for remote or radio read meters. Utility Accountant Salzman reported that an on-
demand type system has not yet been tested by any City, and that Puget Sound Energy
(PSE) is offering some major cost benefits to the City to be a Beta site. Chair Wagner
stated that he had hoped to have some financial methodology for determining lower costs
versus capital costs and information regarding PSE strategy before making a decision on
remote/radio read meters. He inquired as to the urgency for making a decision.
Director Engler stated that from a Public Works perspective, we need to make sure that the
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
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old meters are being replaced. This is a component of the conservation program, and is a
budget item for this year. It calls for replacing meters on a schedule that would achieve total
replacement within a certain number of years. She stated that this is as far as the Public
Works Department has taken this program initiative previously, and that $110,000 has been
budgeted for the program for this year. She stated that separate from this program, the
Finance Department has undertaken an initiative to look at the global scheme of things.
Assistant Finance Director Coleman stated that currently, the meter replacement program
resides in the Finance Department, when they notice that the meter is dead or is not
registering through their review process. They may find out that the meter has not been
working properly for a year or more, which results in a need to back-bill customers. This
happens on a frequent basis, at least 10-12 times a month. Chair Wagner asked that a goal
be established to make a decision by this fall in time to include it in the budget process.
Director Engler stated that the issue before the Committee is to decide if the City should be
hiring a consultant to develop the benefit to cost ratio of whether or not making such a
significant capital investment would pay off over time. The estimated costs of over $2 million
for an automated program are not factored into the Water Utility Capital Improvement
Program, and could have a significant effect on rates. Water Utility Engineer Osborne
stated that the consultant is scheduled to look at this issue in October, and should have a
cost benefit analysis complete by the end of the year. Chair Wagner felt that schedule
would be acceptable.
D. DOWNTOWN PLAN POLICY 21-3
Planning Director Krauss reviewed issues surrounding Downtown Plan Policy 21-3, which
addresses improvements necessitating stormwater upgrades. The policy states that
improvements to properties within the Downtown Plan Study Area which exceed 50% of the
assessed value will not necessitate upgrading of storm drainage facilities to current
standards when there is no change in the amount of impervious surface. Krauss stated the
intent of the policy is to make it easier to develop in downtown, without creating a situation
that obligates developers to do something they're not able to do.
Director Engler stated one of her concems is that the policy may lead to litigation from
developers of property in other areas of the City who are required by Auburn City Code to
upgrade storm drainage facilities to current standards when improvements exceed 50% of
the assessed value. Engler's other concern was the bigger issue of storm drainage, in
general, from Sub-basin E and its impacts on Mill Creek. In looking at that issue, it has
become apparent that detention is necessary for Sub-basin E to mitigate for impacts to Mill
Creek from existing development. Improvements outlined in the Storm Comp Plan for the
basin only address water quality improvements, with minor quantity improvements. Staff is
recommending the consultant study the necessity for, size of, and feasibility of quantity
improvements. This means there is an impact in Sub-basin E, which is not being dealt with,
from existing development.
Chair Wagner suggested that Krauss include a sunset clause in the policy, as discussed at
a workshop, that would encourage intedm development but not exempt all future
development from contributing toward a solution to the drainage problem. Krauss discussed
a possible alternative by developing a regional funding strategy to spread the costs out and
allocate them back by an LID to the bene~ted area. It was the consensus of the Committee
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
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that a sunset clause for a period of five years be included in the policy, along with language
indicating that a regional solution may be the eventual solution.
E. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
The following projects were bdefiy discussed:
#5. Old Library/Senior Center Renovation - Assistant City Engineer Selle stated that it is a
Parks Department project, being managed by a Public Works Department project manager.
All issues regarding the project are brought to Council by the Parks Department through the
Planning and Community Development Committee. Staff will report back at the next
meeting on the status of the project budget.
#19. Corrosion Control Treatment Facilities - It was noted that the project budget is $9.2
million, while project costs are estimated to be $8.6 million, and Chair Wagner inquired if a
budget adjustment is still anticipated. Selle responded that there was a need for a budget
adjustment between budget years, but not for the overall budget.
#17. AWS Sewer Phase 1 - The report indicated that negotiations with the Tribe are
ongoing, yet the project will be advertised next month. Director Engler stated that in addition
to negotiations with the Tribe, another issue has adsen. The City of Enumclaw has
requested a meeting with Auburn staff to discuss an Enumclaw-to-Auburn interceptor as an
alternative to upgrade of the Enumclaw treatment plant. The meeting is scheduled for
Wednesday and includes King County Metro staff. If the interceptor should happen, it would
affect Auburn's project, which is close to 90% design. In regard to negotiations with the
Tdbe, the issue is not advancing and the project will not be brought to Committee until that
portion of the funding is secured. It was suggested the issue be brought to the Global
Committee.
#90. East Valley Pipeline - It was noted that design is only 20%, but is anticipated to be
advertised in June. Selle stated that the project is a simple design that could go from 20%
to 90% in a couple of weeks' time.
#21. Lakeland Hills West Supply Pump - Design is only 15% complete, but is anticipated to
be advertised in July. Selle stated that the design parameters have been worked out and it
should move forward quickly.
#24. Bonney Lake F:mergency Intertie - The Committee raised concerns that this issue is
similar to the issue with Pacific. Director Engler stated that the issues are not the same,
because the agreement with Bonney Lake is purely for interruptible emergency supply,
which is metered and sold at retail rates; while Pacific is requesting a firm commitment.
Council/Committee member Singer brought up several traffic issues that were brought to her
attention by constituents. They were:
42"d Street NW - This roadway has been closed for over a year. Selle stated that tlie
roadway was half public and half private, and the City had recently negotiated the purchase
of properties along the north side so that the entire corridor could become public. This issue
has been finalized and once some transitional work is done between the new and the old
portions of the street, it will be opened.
Driveway behind I owes - People are assuming it is a 4-way stop, and there have been
some near accidents. Staff stated that people are not used to the area, that the situation
would be investigated, and that Lowes may have to put u further signage.
Channeli2ation on 15th St. NW - People tuming left off 15~ into Freddie's are hitting the
curbing, because the striping makes the curb cut look wider than it really is. Staff will
investigate and take appropriate action.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 2001
Page 8 of 8
VII. OTHER DISCUSSION
For the purpose of these minutes, the following discussion took place after Agenda Item II,
Appeal Hearing.
Mr. Brian Winslow, The Boeing Company, stated that he had made a presentation to the
Mayor last week, and the Mayor suggested he attend tonighrs meeting to appdse the
Committee of electrical generators that they plan to install at their site. Mr. Winslow
distributed pictures of the Boeing site, substation locations, and a generator trailer; and a
drawing showing the location of the 30 generator trailers, fuel and urea truck unloading area,
diesel tanks and supply pumps, and urea tanks and supply pumps. He stated that the
generators will provide power to their site from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and he discussed
noise and emissions issues, and regulatory compliance. Following the discussion, Mr.
Winslow introduced Rich White, Boeing Government Affairs.
For the purpose of these minutes, this discussion took place after Information/Discussion
Item D.
Mr. Ed Davis, Director of Community Development for the City of Pacific, stated that they
were present in case the Committee had questions regarding their verbal request to the
Auburn City Council on April 16, 2001, for nesting water. Director Engler stated that the City
has had a consultant analyzing the request, and that once the information is ready, she had
planned to share it with the Committee to get their comments, prior to discussing the issue.
She anticipated that the information would be ready within a couple of days. Because the
issue was not on the Committee agenda, Chair Wagner asked that a special meeting be set
for Monday, April 30, 4:00 p.m., to discuss Pacific's request. This would give Committee
members time to review the information developed by the consultant.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting
was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
Submitted by Pam Miller, Administrative Services Supervisor.
Approved by the Public Works Committee on/'YT~-,~/L~D ,~0D/
PM/bd
File: 17 (17.2)
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