HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-2004
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CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
September 27, 2004
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room #3, located
on the second floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee
members present were: Chairman Rich Wagner, Member Roger Thordarson, and Member Bill
Peloza substituting for Member Gene Cerino, whose absence was excused. Also present during
the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis,. Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, City Engineerl
Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Utilities Engineer Duane
Huskey, Traffic Engineer Laura Philpot, Senior Project Engineer Bill Helbig, Project Engineer
Jennifer Dvorak, Project Engineer Scott Nutter, City Attorney Dan Heid, Engineering Intern Seth
Wickstrom, and Secretary Lorna Dahlke.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
approve the Public Works Committee minutes for September 13, 2004, as submitted.
Motion carried.
B. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT 04-63, MAX HOUSE BUILDING FOR 101 EAST MAIN
STREET AWNINGS
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
approve Right-of-Way Use Permit 04-63. Motion carried.
C. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE PROJECT NO. C228A, 2003 SANITARY SEWER
REPLACEMENTS
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to advertise Project. No. C228A, 2003 Sewer Repair and
Replacement. Motion carried.
D. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE PROJECT NO. C1014, AUBURN WAY SOUTH SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS
Engineer Dvorak reviewed design drawings of the project, including proposed median strips
and rechannelization along Auburn Way South, a new signal at F Street SE, signal
interconnect, and widening for an additional lane between D Street SE and 6th Street SE.
Chair Wagner questioned the landscaping proposed for the median strip at the north end of the
project, voicing concern for the safety of City employees who would perform maintenance of the
landscaping. Engineer Philpot said that since the project would add impervious surface with the
added asphalt for the additional lane between D Street SE and 6th Street SE, it was necessary
to offset that with additional pervious area. Citizen groups had also shown interest in including
this project in the City's gateway program, which would require a greater emphasis on
aesthetics. Engineer Philpot said staff had worked with Parks and Recreation Department
Public Works Committee Minutes
September 27, 2004
personnel in developing the list of plants requiring a minimal amount of maintenance for
landscaping in the median. Park personnel had requested a foot of pervious pavers separating
the curb of the median and the landscaping for additional safety. A temporary irrigation system
is planned, which should aid in establishing the plants, thus eliminating the need for watering
the new plants by City crews. Without this approach of adding pervious area, storm drainage
improvements, including a pond, would have been required, increasing project costs and State
approval time for the project.
Chair Wagner agreed to the landscaping with the emphasis on low maintenance, and
suggested that staff develop design and construction standards for median landscape options
that address safety issues for medians.
Regarding the restriction of left turn movements, Chair Wagner stressed the importance of
curbing that would require traffic to conform to the channelization, and not allow motorists to
attempt to hop the curb to travel in the opposite direction.
Engineer Dvorak also discussed the proposed improvements at the intersection of M Street SE
and Auburn Way South. Staff said that this work will be done under separate contract and
negotiations with the Zion Lutheran Church will continue to reach a fair and equitable
agreement for the area needed by the City.
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to advertise Project. No. C1014, Auburn Way South
Safety Improvements. Motion carried.
III. ISSUES
A. ORDINANCE NO. 5871 AMENDING AUBURN CITY CODE RELATING TO TRAFFIC
CONTROL MEASURES
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. 5871. Motion carried.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 3735 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A LOCAL AGENCY
AGREEMENT RELATING TO PROJECT NO. C322A, WEST MAIN STREET
IMPROVEMENTS
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 3735. Motion carried.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. STORM POND RETROFITS - RIVERWALK AND C ST SW
Utilities Engineer Huskey informed the Committee that the cost estimate for the two projects
combined was approximately $225,000; $100,000 more than had been budgeted. Following
discussion, the Committee consensus was to construct the projects, and transfer additional
funds from the 21st Street SE/R Street SE storm water project that will be deferred.
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Public Works Committee Minutes
September 27. 2004
B. IMPLEMENTATION OF BACKFLOW ENFORCEMENT
Engineer Huskey asked the Committee for input regarding the implementation of enforcement
measures and procedures for water customers who are not testing their backflow devices as
they are required to do. There are approximately 100 customers, the majority commercial
accounts, in noncompliance. Engineer Huskey said there are two methods to obtain
compliance: one option is that the City can shut off water service to the irrigation or domestic
customers who are in non-compliance; the other is to fine fire system customers who are in
noncompliance. Engineer Huskey stated that prior to shutting off water service, the customer
would receive three letters of notification and would have been out of compliance for 45 days or
more. The Committee was in agreement with the proposed actions.
C. WATER RATES
Engineer Huskey distributed a handout of water rate considerations for Committee review and
discussion.
The Committee discussed a proposed water pipeline project along East Valley Highway, south
of Lakeland Hills Way, to service areas of proposed development in Lakeland, Kersey III, and
Terrace View subdivisions. The project has not been included in the Comprehensive Facilities
Plan (CFP). With proposed development in the area, it was anticipated that developers would
pay for the increase in water supply to the area. However, if improvements are not paid by
developers, the City may need to build it at some point in the future. Chair Wagner stated that
if the additional supply is due to additional development, then the developers should pay for the
improvements.
Mayor Lewis stated his concern about the reliability of wells in Lakeland and problems that
could occur with the adequacy of the water supply next season. The use of Bonney Lake as a
supplier is not as strong a backup as originally thought. Chair Wagner said that putting the
project into the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) would increase its visibility and show that it is a
project we want to see done in the future.
Engineer Huskey reported that the City has ongoing negotiations with Water District No. 111
and Covington Water District regarding the Take or Pay Agreement; the length of the
agreement, supply volumes, and rates. The Committee was in favor of staff continuing
negotiations.
Chair Wagner said it looked like the utility needed an approximate increase of 4% per year in
rates to -keep the utility fund healthy, and suggested rates be increased over a three-year
period. The Committee consensus was to increase the rates for the irrigation accounts, freeze
the municipal rates, and project the remaining accounts with increases of 4 percent a year over
the next three years. The Committee also agreed with establishing that rates go into effect
January 1 of each year of the three-year plan. Engineer Huskey will bring the proposed plan
back to the Committee for review at a future meeting.
D. KENT 160 (WATERSHED) SEWER SERVICE CONDITIONS
Director Dowdy reported that staff has been working with the City of Kent on the design and
construction conditions, required prior to connection to City sewer service, of development of
the proposed annexation area on Lea Hill. Director Dowdy said there is about 98% agreement
with Kent, and he reviewed the agreed upon conditions pertaining to traffic and roadways.
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Public Works Committee Minutes
September 27. 2004
A comprehensive list of all items will be included in the final agreement, which will be brought
back to the Committee for review.
E. PROJECT NO. C326A, C STREET SW ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS
Assistant City Engineer Gaub reported that GSA has requested relocation of the proposed
signal for the truck entrance to a new location to service the Social Security Administration
facilities, which would create three access points, instead of the planned two. This additional
intersection is estimated to increase costs for redesign by $82,000, and increase construction
costs by $250,000, with GSA agreeing to pay $64,000. This would require additional City
funds of $268,000. Chair Wagner questioned the amount of the projected additional costs for
moving the signal location. Engineer Gaub stated that there would be a need to reconstruct the
roadway at that location, rather than the less costly repaving originally proposed. The City
would defer the construction of the signal until GSA has constructed the driveway connection,
which is anticipated to be in 2006. The agreement with GSA would need to be revised and re-
approved by the Committee for this proposal.
The advantage to the City in accepting this proposal would include the ROW easement needed
to complete the pedestrian trail from 15th Street SW to Ellingson Road, and allow for
construction of four lanes on C Street SW, instead of three; two southbound, one northbound,
and one northbound left turn lane.
This change would also impact the TIP, which was recently approved, with the potential to delay
City-funded projects in order to fund this project.
The Committee consensus was for staff to continue with the agreement process, incorporating
this revision and any budget adjustment, and bring the proposed agreement back to Committee
for review.
F. STATUS OF WATER OVER SIDEWALKS IN LAKELAND
Director Dowdy informed the Committee that there were some issues with water running across
the sidewalks in the older section of Lakeland, which could become a safety issue if this water
would freeze in the colder months. The City agreed to make the necessary repairs. At first the
water was thought to be a groundwater issue limited to a single property; however, upon further
inspection by City crews, it was discovered that the roof drainage pipe running under the
driveway and across the front of the yard had collapsed, probably during the home construction.
It is anticipated that the pipe will need to be replaced for approximately 250 feet, under three or
four driveways, possibly more. Director Dowdy said letters would be sent to the residents in the
area, informing them of the City crews working in the area. The costs for the repairs were
proposed to come from the storm drainage utility. Upon completion, the City is expected to
restore the landscaping. The Committee agreed with the proposed repairs.
G. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
The following items were briefly discussed:
Item 23. C307A. City Wide ITS Improvements: Engineer Philpot informed the Committee that
Federal funds are currently obligated for the design and partial construction of the project,
totaling just over half of the grant amount. Additional Federal funding has not yet been
released, and is awaiting Federal legislative appropriation.
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Public Works Committee Minutes
September 27.2004
Item 8. C316A. Sound Transit Kiss & Ride: Assistant City Engineer Gaub informed the
Committee that the power poles have been removed from the parking lot, so the corrective
work on the pavement can be completed and will likely be done this week. There are several
other outstanding items of work that have not yet been completed.
H. DRAFT ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 9.90.010 OF THE CITY CODE, RELATING TO
STREET USE RESTRICTIONS
This item was brought before the Committee as an agenda modification, and was discussed
prior to item IV. A. During discussion, Chair Wagner requested that the penalties of
noncompliance with the conditions as listed in the draft ordinance be added, referencing the
State Criminal Code. City Attorney Heid left the meeting to make the requested revisions to the
draft ordinance, and returned with Ordinance No. 5873.
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. 5873. Motion carried.
V.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
DRD/ld
Submitted by Lorna Dahlke, Secretary.
Approved by the Public Works Committee on O~ 1/) ¿;loC) i
File: 17 (17.2)
REF. H:\PWCAgendaMinutes/09/27/04Minutes
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