HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-2004
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
December 13, 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 Gene Cerino, and Member Roger
Thordarson. Also present during the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Planning Director Paul
Krauss, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, City Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle,
Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Utilities Engineer Duane Huskey, Sanitary Sewer Engineer
Jeff Roscoe, Traffic Engineer Laura Philpot, Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Senior Project
Engineer Bill Helbig, Project Engineers Jennifer Dvorak and Robert Lee, Assistant Project Engineer
Brian Coleman, and Administrative Services Supervisor Pam Miller.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Thordarson, that the Committee
approve the Public Works Committee minutes for November 22, 2004, as submitted. Motion
carried.
B. ANNUAL ON-CALL CONSULTANT AGREEMENTS
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Thordarson, that the Committee
recommend Council approve the Annual On-Call Consultant Agreements for 2005. Motion
carried.
C. AMENDMENT NO.1 TO CONSULTANT AGREEMENT NO. AG-C-231 WITH PARAMETRIX
FOR WORK RELATED TO PROJECT NO. C9056, AUBURN WAY S SEWER REPLACEMENT
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Roscoe responded to questions from the Committee on how the City
plans to monitor the flows from Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) properties and the method for
billing by the City and King County Metro.
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Thordarson, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Amendment NO.1 to Consultant Agreement No. AG-C-231 with
Parametrix. Motion carried.
D. PERMISSION TO AWARD SMALL WORKS CONTRACT 04-21, PROJECT NUMBER C420A,
TERRACE DRIVE GUARDRAIL, TO PETERSEN BROTHERS ON THEIR LOW BID OF
$39,713.85
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Thordarson, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to award Small Works Contract 04-21 for Project No.
C420A. Motion carried.
Public Works Committee Minutes
December 13. 2004
E. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE PROJECT NO. C406A, C STREET SW AND RIVERWALK
DRIVE STORM POND IMPROVEMENTS
Engineer Coleman distributed conceptual drawings of both ponds, which led to a discussion on
the types of trees and vegetation to be planted. Chairman Wagner expressed concern about
sign visibility at the C Street pond once the trees mature, and noted that the estimated cost for
the project is higher than previously anticipated. Coleman responded that the visibility of signs
will be taken into consideration when the trees are planted by allowing sufficient setback, and
that part of the higher cost is due to the installation of irrigation systems at both ponds.
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Thordarson, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to advertise Project No. C406A. Motion carried.
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 3789, INTERLOCAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING WITH DOUGLAS COUNTY
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Thordarson, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 3789. Motion carried.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 3793, AGREEMENT WITH KING COUNTY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF TRANSIT RELATED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF AUBURN
Traffic Engineer Philpot stated that the funds from King County will be used to leverage a
Federal grant for the reconstruction of 2nd Street SE/SW, from A Street SE to A Street SW. As
part of the project, improvements will be made to various intersections to improve transit service
access. In response to a question from Member Thordarson, Philpot responded that 151 Street
SE/SW is not included in this project because it is not classified, which is a requirement when
Federal funds are involved. In response to a question from Chairman Wagner, Engineer
Philpot said that staff worked with Metro to have buses routed so that the proposed angled
parking near the Sun Break Café would be not affected.
It was moved by Member Thordarson, seconded by Member Cerino, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 3793. Motion carried.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 5817, AMENDING AUBURN CITY CODE SECTIONS 12.12.170, 12.16.070,
12.20.030, AND 12.24..060 RELATED TO STREET, SIDEWALK, AND PUBLIC WORKS FEES
City Engineer Selle explained that the purpose of Ordinance No. 5817 is to move fees from City
Code to the City Fee Schedule. He distributed copies of Resolution No. 3797, which amends
the City's current fee schedule. The Resolution to amend the City's current fee schedule will go
to the Finance Committee for approval prior to going to Council.
In response to a question from Chairman Wagner, Traffic Engineer Philpot stated that it was
previously decided to implement extra trenching fees by charging our own utilities for a year or
two, prior to considering implementation of the fees for outside utility companies. Director
Dowdy said that upon implementation of the Save Our Streets improvements, staff will identify
private utility trenching that needs to be brought up to City standards and require each private
utility to make repairs prior to mobilizing the City's contractor.
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December 13. 2004
City Engineer Selle confirmed that System Development Charges (SDCs) are included in the
Fee Schedule for all utilities, and stated that the fees have been reformatted in the proposed
resolution to be in a table format, making them more user friendly for the development
community.
Chairman Wagner asked that SDC's be reviewed by the Committee in 2005. Director Dowdy
stated that he will be reviewing the work accomplished under the Committee's 2004 work plan,
and will develop a 2005 work plan for consideration by the Committee.
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Wagner, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. 5817. Motion carried.
D. ORDINANCE NO 5888, CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTIES FOR C1006, 3RD AND CROSS
STREET ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Director Dowdy explained that negotiations are underway; however, it is desirable to have the
condemnation ordinance in place because the grant funding agency has informed us that we
must begin construction in March of 2005 or we risk losing the grant. Engineer Dvorak used an
aerial map to indicate easements and property to be acquired, noting that property needed for
the project has been minimized to the greatest extent possible. She also reported on the status
of current negotiations for each parcel. In response to concerns voiced by Chairman Wagner,
Assistant Director Selle emphasized that the City's intent is to continue with positive
negotiations, but want to have the condemnation ordinance in place in case negotiations fail.
Waiting to process a condemnation ordinance after negotiations have failed would take time
and could jeopardize the grant funds.
Discussion was held on the potential need for the City to have more than one on-call consultant
for property negotiations, and it was suggested by Chairman Wagner that staff consider
entering into an agreement with a second property negotiation consultant. Assistant City
Engineer Gaub noted that right-of-way acquisition performed by the City on federal aid projects
must meet WSDOT requirements, and that WSDOT has a list of those firms that they will
accept to do this type of work. She also stated that the owners of the parcels listed in the
condemnation ordinance have each received an initial offer letter, setting forth the City's offer
and informing them that if agreement is not reached, the City has the right to invoke eminent
domain. Engineer Dvorak stated that there are still some parcels that have not been included
in the condemnation ordinance, because the property owners have not yet received initial offer
letters.
It was moved by Member Cerino, seconded by Member Thordarson, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. 5888. Motion carried.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. LEGISLATIVE AGENDA - TRANSPORTATION
Director Dowdy presented a Staff Paper that was written in preparation for the 2005 Legislative
Session. The document reviews the current allocation of the 28-cent fuel tax and suggests
options for a more equitable method of distributing revenues among cities and counties, which
is currently based on population. In addition, he handed out two documents: One summarizes
action by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation Policy Board and
recommendations to the PSRC Executive Board; the other outlines the consensus of the
Directors of King County cities and King County at the last meeting held to discuss the
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Public Works Committee Minutes
December 13.2004
Transportation Legislative agenda. The documents were reviewed and the need for
preservation of arterial lane miles that support freight mobility was discussed, as were
transportation funding issues, in general.
Director Dowdy also informed the Committee that after meeting with CTI, the company
immediately stopped using A Street SE, and is primarily using the Lake Tapps corridor to get to
Highway 167. In addition, a meeting was held with Icon and Miles to review the legislative
agenda and ask for their support of funding for preservation of freight routes.
Chairman Wagner suggested that the Staff Paper be revised so that an executive summary is
at the front, and Member Cerino asked for copies of the revised document to take with him to
distribute to Port staff at the various meetings that he attends.
B. STATUS BLACK DIAMOND ROAD
Director Dowdy stated that the contractor is nearing completion of the project, and is done with
the shoulder work and with pre-leveling the slabs that were evaluated to have the potential to
fail during the winter months. In response to a question from Chairman Wagner, Dowdy
responded that caution signs are not posted for bicyclists who use the road, because it is not a
designated bicycle trail or route. Dowdy reported that the City is working with King County
Councilmember Patterson, via Councilmember Singer, to give the County engineer the
authority to lower the speed limit on the roadway in the event the roadway actually fails due to
heavy truck traffic and the City needs to lower speeds for safety. The speed limit on the
portion of roadway located within the Auburn City limits is currently 25 mph, and the City has
the authority to lower it further if needed; however, the County requires action by ordinance to
lower the speed limit of the portion of the roadway located in the County.
C. PROJECT NO. C221B, 15TH STREET NW MEDIAN ENHANCEMENTS
Engineer Lee presented a design and color chip for the stamped asphalt to be used in the 15th
Street NW Median Enhancements project. The design was developed following discussions
with the Planning and Community Development and the Public Works Committees. It was
noted that the border was not able to be wider then one brick due to the curvature, and the
scallop design costs slightly more than the other patterns because it is more labor intensive to
install. Due to the narrower border, staff is also proposing to use only one color. The Public
Works Committee concurred with the design and color of the stamped asphalt, as presented.
D. INTERSECTION MODIFICATIONS AT M STREET SE & AUBURN WAY SOUTH
Engineer Dvorak gave a brief overview of the history of the project, which was originally part of
the Auburn Way South Safety Improvements project. In initial discussions with representatives
of the Zion Lutheran Church, located at the intersection of M Street SE, Auburn Way South,
and 1 ih Street SE, they offered to give the City an easement at no charge in exchange for the
City moving a vault and pole, and consolidating their driveway with their neighbor. As
negotiations proceeded, the church representatives later asked for compensation for the
easement. Since that time, the City retracted their offer to the church, separated this project
from the Auburn Way South Safety Imgrovement project, and re-evaluated the intersection at M
Street SE, Auburn Way South, and 17 h Street SE. Engineer Dvorak distributed a drawing
illustrating the original project, including relocation of the vault and pole, and the proposed
project, which does not impact the electrical facilities.
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December 13, 2004
The proposed plan, estimated to cost approximately $100,000 less than the original plan, was
discussed. Member Cerino expressed concern regarding the proposal to allow right turns on a
red light from Auburn Way South, heading northbound, onto M Street SE. He is concerned that
there is a sight distance issue. Traffic Engineer Philpot stated that staff will review the sight
distances to ensure that they are adequate.
Following discussion, the Committee concurred with the proposed design for the project.
E. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CITY OF KENT FOR SOUTH 277TH STREET
Transportation Planner Welsh presented the proposed design for South 27ih Street from
Auburn Way North to the Green River. Discussion was held on the roadway design, which is
for the full cross section. Welsh reported that the design has the concurrence of the City of
Kent and area developers, and that all parties feel that if the right-of-way required to build a full
cross section is not acquired now, the costs to acquire it in the future would be very high. In
response to a question from Member Thordarson, Welsh responded that the design allows for
D Street NE to stay open, with limited access (right in and right out only).
In response to a question from Chairman Wagner, Traffic Engineer Philpot responded that the
new cost estimate for this design should not increase substantially from the previous estimate.
The Mayor concurred with a suggestion from Chairman Wagner that the project might be a
good economic development opportunity. Consensus of the Committee was for staff to move
forward with the proposed design.
F. DOWNTOWN LIGHTING STUDY
Engineer Coleman distributed clip boards, two maps, and highlighters to the Mayor and each
Committee member. One of the maps, "Auburn Downtown Upgraded Lighting Areas," indicates
what has been done thus far to improve lighting in the downtown area. Red circles indicate
upgraded luminaires, while blue circles indicate trees that have been trimmed to let more light
in.
The second map, "Auburn Downtown Low Light Areas," indicates areas that meet or are below
City lighting standards. Red hatch marks indicate low light areas along City streets, and blue
hatch marks indicate low light areas in City parking lots. Because light levels are a perception
by the pedestrian or resident, Coleman asked the Mayor and Committee members to assist
staff in obtaining an accurate assessment of lighting adequacy by walking the downtown study
area, and using the yellow highlighter to indicate areas they feel have sufficient lighting, and the
pink highlighter to indicate areas where they feel lighting is insufficient.
If there is consensus that lighting is insufficient in areas that meet current City lighting
standards, there may be a need to revise the City's standards, which are currently based on the
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for safety levels. The areas that still
remain below the safety levels will require new light poles and fixtures, therefore, the Mayor and
Committee members were also asked to consider whether they would want a PSE-type utility
pole installed or a standard street light.
The decision was made to have a special meeting in mid-January to review the results of the
survey, rather than discussing them at a Public Works Committee meeting. Director Dowdy will
coordinate with Council Secretary Bothell to set up the meeting.
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December 13, 2004
G. BANNER POLICY
Transportation Planner Welsh reviewed a document outlining issues related to Right-of-Way
Use Permits for Banners. There is currently one banner location, and requests to hang
banners at that location far exceed availability. Welsh reviewed current City Code, which states
that banners of a non-political nature advertising community events sponsored by a nonprofit
organization may be installed for a period not to exceed two weeks in duration. The code is
silent on the issue of repeat advertising, so some applicants have reserved up to five 2-week
periods of time per year.
Welsh discussed the staff recommendation for updating the City's banner policy, which more
clearly defines the type of applicant, purposes of the banner, and the definition of a community
event. The recommendation states that organizations not advertising a community event may
display banners for a maximum of two periods, not to exceed a total of 14 days within any
calendar year. In the event of a conflict between a community event and another application,
the community event can "bump" the other event. This decision would be made by the City
Engineer.
Committee members asked if staff had considered a second banner location. Traffic Engineer
Philpot stated that a second location had been considered, however it was estimated to cost
approximately $5,000 - $10,000 to install the poles. The permit fee is currently $25, which does
not cover the administrative cost of processing the application or installing the banner, which
requires one-half hour for a 2-man crew of street maintenance workers to install and again to
take down a banner, and Equipment Rental costs for use of the bucket truck.
It was the consensus of the Committee that City events have precedence; that a clear definition
for community events be developed; that the City Attorney be consulted to see if language
could be added to ensure that organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, or national origin could be prohibited from making application for a banner; and that
fees be re-evaluated and consideration given to raising them.
H. DRAFT AMENDMENT REGARDING SANITARY SEWER SERVICE AREA TO BONNEY LAKE
Utilities Engineer Huskey presented a map of the area, and reported that the area had been
modeled for draft Addendum NO.1 to the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Bonney Lake for
the Establishment of Sanitary Sewer Service Boundaries. Following lengthy discussion, it was
the consensus of the Committee to limit service to the school and Fairweather Development
until such time as the City of Bonney Lake develops a Comprehensive Master Sewer Plan for
the area.
I. TAKE OR PAY AGREEMENT WITH COVINGTON & WATER DISTRICT NO. 111
Utilities Engineer Huskey gave background information on the Take or Pay Agreement with
Covington Water District and Water District No. 111. The current rate includes an overage
charge of ten cents during the winter, and over $1.00 during the summer. The two water
districts are now requesting that the current agreement be extended for ten years, and are
questioning the reason for the winter overage charge. Staff is proposing that we eliminate the
winter overage charge and to make the summer overage rate similar to the wholesale rates
charged to the cities of Algona and Pacific.
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December 13, 2004
The impact of these changes on the water utility revenue stream were discussed, and
Chairman Wagner asked that a chart or table be prepared to show rate changes made in the
last couple of years, and increases that have affected Water District No. 111 or Covington
Water District. He stated that while he is not in favor of reducing the Take or Pay rates, he is
willing to discuss the possibility of the rates remaining unchanged for a period of time.
Utilities Engineer Huskey reported that the two water districts have also asked for a "true up" of
consumption. The City has been going by the master meter and does not propose to change
that procedure. Huskey noted that the City is just now entering into negotiations with the water
districts, and have a year to come to agreement. He will continue to keep the Committee
apprised. In response to a question from the Committee, Huskey replied that the City is
keeping discussion avenues open with Tacoma.
J. PROPOSED ORDINANCE RELATING TO BOARD/COMMISSION MEMBERS
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed after Discussion/Information Item F.
Ordinance No. 5890 amends Auburn City Code Section 2.30.020 relating to terms for Board
and Commission Members. The code revision adds language to allow for removal of a board or
commission member, at the Mayor's sole discretion, where the member does not comply with a
reasonable request for a background check.
The Committee was in favor of the Ordinance.
K. BOEING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
For the purpose of these minutes, this item was discussed after Discussion/Information Item A.
City Engineer Selle reported that some of the Exhibits are still being developed. Chairman
Wagner expressed concern about Exhibit 4, which excepts Auburn City Code Chapters 12.04
and 12.64, which include design and construction standards. He pointed out that if the City is
only dealing with one entity developing properties, the City can set forth road standards and
maintenance; however, if dealing with numerous different developers, the City cannot exclude
chapters unless language is included in the agreements as to how private roads will be built and
maintained.
Planning Director Krauss stated that Chairman Wagner's concerns were shared by others, and
that a previous discussion was held on the issue. He explained that the Boeing Development
Agreement was drafted by using a previous agreement. However, since Boeing does not have
a master plan for their properties, and it remains unclear as to what properties might be sold,
the conclusion has been reached that there are only two items that the City and Boeing can
agree to: Vesting existing levels of traffic and on-site drainage.
Director Krauss suggested that specific language be included to indicate that the agreement
applies only to the areas of vesting existing levels of traffic and on-site drainage, and that roads
or utilities built by developers and later dedicated to the City must meet or be upgraded to meet
City standards. He further suggested that this issue be clarified through language developed
by the City and Boeing attorneys prior to an amendment being presented to the Council at their
first meeting in January. The language will also be revised to clarify the concept of
grandfathering rights.
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Public Works Committee Minutes
December 13. 2004
In response to a question from Chairman Wagner, Director Krauss stated that the agreement
will be brought before Council at a public hearing, which is scheduled for the January 3,2005,
Council meeting. Revisions to the agreement will be made and distributed to Councilmembers
prior to the public hearing.
L. HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
It was the consensus of the Committee to cancel the Public Works Committee meeting
scheduled for December 27,2004.
M. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
The following projects were briefly discussed:
Item #9, Project No. C326A, C Street SW. Contract A - It was noted that Safeway will begin
operations in April, but the project is not anticipated to be complete until May. Senior Project
Engineer Helbig reported that the roadway will be open for use by Safeway in April, and that the
final work to complete the project will be done in May.
Item #12, Project No. C1 014, Auburn Way South Safety Improvements - Assistant City
Engineer Gaub reported that U-Haul has until tomorrow to respond to the complaint filed by Les
Schwab. The specific issues of concern were briefly discussed.
#13, Project No. C207 A, A Street NW Corridor. Phase 1 - It was reported that federal funds will
be rolled into this project; however, the project will still have a deficit of approximately $4.2
million. The Mayor noted that a meeting will be held with those property owners who will benefit
from the corridor to solicit their participation. Engineer Helbig reported that the Auburn
Regional Medical Center (Multicare) has not agreed to participate, but that they are obligated
for their half of 10th Street.
Item 22. Proiect No. C411A, Academv Drive Geotech StudY - Helbig reported that the
consultant has finished all of the subsurface explorations and will have the preliminary technical
memo to the City in the next two weeks. Information regarding the results of the study will be
forwarded to Committee members prior to any information being shared with other agencies.
Item 24. Project No. 307 A, City Wide ITS Improvements Project - Member Thordarson stated
that he would not be able to attend the tour of the City of Seattle and King County Traffic
Management Centers on Monday, December 20th. Chair Wagner suggested briefing Member
Thordarson at a separate meeting following the tour.
Item 26. Project No. C229A, BNSF/East Vallev Hwv. Pedestrian UndercrossinQ - Assistant City
Engineer Gaub stated that the City has received a $150,000 grant which should allow staff to
complete the design of the project in 2005, so that it will be ready to be constructed when
funding is available.
Item 28. Project No. C322A, West Main Street Improvements - Chairman Wagner asked about
the Tree Board's recent visit to the West Main Street area. Assistant City Engineer Gaub
stated that some board members requested that staff attempt to save some of the trees on
West Main Street. Staff will research whether or not any of the trees can be saved, and will
also consider if new trees should all be the same species.
V. OTHER DISCUSSION
For the purpose of these minutes, this discussion took place after Issue Item D.
Brief discussion was held on pedestrian signage in the vicinity of the 3rd Street SW project.
Committee members noted that the signs on the east side of C Street SW are good, but that
pedestrians heading north on the west side of C Street SW toward the Highway 18 ramps have
a crosswalk, but no signs to direct them.
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Public Works Committee Minutes
December 13. 2004
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
DRD/pm
Submitted by Pam Miller, Administrative Services Supervisor.
Approved by the Public Works Committee on ~\ 0 I dO 05,
File: 17 (17.2)
REF. H:\PWCAgendaMinutes/121304Minutes
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