HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2007CITY OF
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WASHINGTON
I. CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
January 8, 2007
APPROVED MINUTES
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 2:30 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, Vice-Chair Roger Thordarson, and Member Bill
Peloza. Also present during the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Public Works Director
Dennis Dowdy, City Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub,
Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, Traffic Engineer Laura Philpot, Water Utility Engineer Ben Hennebert,
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman, Policeman Greg Wood, Finance Director
Shelley Coleman, Utility & Accounting Service Manager Karen Jester, IS Director Lorrie Rempher,
City Attorney Dan Heid, Engineering Aid Megan Robel, Secretary Kim Powell.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Vice-Chair Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for December 11, 2006. Motion carried.
B. FINAL PAY ESTIMATE #5 TO CONTRACT 04-15 IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,535.98, FOR A
TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $565,201.27 WITH R.W. SCOTT CONSTRUCTION AND
ACCEPT CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT NO. PR529F, A STREET SW LOOP
It was moved by Vice-Chair Thordarson, seconded by Member Peloza, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Final Pay Estimate #5, and accept construction of Project No.
PR529F. Motion carried.
III. ISSUES
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6073 AMENDING CITY CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS
Chairman Wagner directed questions to City Attorney Mr. Heid in regards to the times that the
lights would be flashing. Mr. Heid explained that the flashing lights are only one of three criteria
that the City can use to prosecute. Traffic Engineer Philpot explained that the times were decided
upon with the assistance of the schools' Principals. Member Peloza asked about before and after
school activities and who controls the switch. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman
explained that the City has control over the switch so that the lights can be changed at any time.
Member Peloza asked about what happens on the weekend if the light is flashing and there are no
children present. City Attorney Mr. Heid explained that there may be reasons that it is flashing that
a citizen, when in doubt, should not exceed 20 MPH.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Thordarson and seconded by Member Peloza that Ordinance No. 6073
be adopted. Motion carried.
Public Works Committee Minutes January 8, 2007
APPROVED MINUTES
B ORDINANCE NO. 6074 AMENDING CITY CODE RELATING TO ARTERIAUFUNCTIONAL
CLASSIFICATION
It was unanimous that no questions were needed to be opened for discussion.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Thordarson and seconded by Member Peloza that Ordinance No. 6074
be adopted. Motion carried.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 6075 AMENDING CITY CODE RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OF
SCHOOL PATROL OFFICERS
It was unanimous that no questions were needed to be opened for discussion.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Thordarson and seconded by Member Peloza that Ordinance No. 6075
be adopted. Motion carried.
D. RESOLUTION NO. 4137 RATIFYING AN EMERGENCY DECLARATION WITH RESPECT TO
THE REPAIR OF A WATER MAIN AT 3RD AND "B" STREETS NE
Member Peloza asked a question of Mr. Heid in regards to restitution to the City by the driver that
inflicted the harm to the City. City Attorney Heid explained that this agenda bill was indicating the
City's intent to seek restitution but that the courts decide upon it.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Thordarson and seconded by Member Peloza that Resolution No. 4137
be adopted. Motion carried.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. RECOMMENDATION ON CONTRACT FOR SERVICES WITH MAPCON TO PROVIDE NEW
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
IS Director Lorrie Rempher explained the service. Chairman Wagner asked several questions in
regards to ownership. IS Director Lorrie Rempher explained that the City retains ownership.
Member Peloza asked questions of City Attorney Heid in regards to "Continuation of Performance"
and liquid damages. Discussion proceeded in regards to if Mapcon has problems getting our
information from the sub-contractor. City Attorney Heid explained that the City is covered per the
language in the contract.
Member Peloza asked what the procedure is when using an offshore sub-contractor if the City were
to be damaged. IS Director Lorrie Rempher explained how GIS is downloaded into our computer
so that our information is never actually lost. City Attorney Heid further explained that if the City
was damaged or harmed, that there is language in the contract that will allow us to terminate the
contract and collect for those damages.
Chairman Wagner asked about a particular area in the flight plan and if it would be a good idea to
expand it. IS Director Lorrie Rempher explained that Kent also will be in that area so there will be a
sharing of information. IS Director Lorrie Rempher further verified that there will be a resolution to
follow and that funds for this project will be coming out of the Utility funds and the General Fund
and 25% each.
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Public Works Committee Minutes January 8 2007
APPROVED MINUTES
UTILITY BILLING DISTRICT 4 SAMPLING RESULTS
Chairman Wagner and Vice-Chair Thordarson agree with the recommendation. Member Peloza
asked if there was going to be a general letter sent out to the public explaining that this matter has
been taken care of now. Finance Director Shelly Coleman verified that there will be a positive letter
mailed out.
B. WATER EASEMENT RELINQUISHMENT FOR CHINOOK ELEMENTARY
Water Utility Engineer Ben Hennebert handed out pictures of the proposed relinquishment and
briefly explained that a couple of lines will be added and that the old ones will be abandoned.
There was some brief discussion before the committee concurred.
C. GRANT STATUS UPDATE
Item 2. A Street NW Phase 1: Chairman Wagner expressed concerned about the wording of
"Developer Contributed". The City owns this property and he wants a guarantee that if this property
is ever used as an access by development, that the City needs to be paid for it.
Item 3, A Street NW Phase 2: Chairman Wagner inquired as to when we are going to make
submissions for grants. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman explained the
best options. Mayor Peter B. Lewis mentioned that when money is given out that the Federal
agencies need to know what our top priorities are. Mayor Peter B. Lewis also mentioned that this is
not in our top 10 priorities and that the grants are due in 2009. The Committee left this issue for
Mayor Peter B. Lewis and Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman to take care of.
Item 12, S 277th Street: Chairman Wagner asked what is CTED? Transportation Planner/Grants
Manager Tiffin Goodman explained that it is "Community Trade and Economic Development".
Item 14, Olympic Middle School: Member Peloza asked Transportation Planner/Grants Manager
Tiffin Goodman to explain the status of the grant applications.
Item 22, Auburn Way S Improvements-Engineering Phase: Chairman Wagner questioned the 1.25
million figure for the engineering phase. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman
explained that this is not the complete engineering phase but rather than for only 3 lanes and would
allow the City to start preliminary engineering and environmental work to flush out any major
issues.
Item 25, Water Facility Security: Utilities Engineer Dan Repp explained the security measures and
the involvement of Homeland Security. Mayor Peter B. Lewis verified that this is "in addition" to
what we are already doing.
D. SE MAIN NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING BALLOT RESULTS
Chairman Wagner and Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman discussed the
traffic calming. Chairman Wagner suggested that several be eliminated and asked for a re-vote on
J to see if a 40% favorable vote can be achieved or not. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager
Tiffin Goodman discussed the option of installing temporary calming devices to give the
neighborhood a sense of how they would operate before permanent facilities are installed. She
was instructed that if we don't get the 40% to bring it back to committee for further discussion. She
was also instructed to send letters out again along "J" Street to attempt to obtain a majority
response.
E. REVIEW COUNCIL'S DESIRE TO CREATE A CITIZEN'S TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
City Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle and Traffic Engineer Laura Philpot explained that we
received applications for our Transportation Committee however; the City does not currently have a
Transportation Committee. Vice-Chair Thordarson sees a need to consider the input of citizens
concerning the system's inadequacy, but that the Council needs to assure the Citizen's Committee
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Public Works Committee Minutes January 8 2007
APPROVED MINUTES
does not take us off course on our primary priorities concerning the Council's Vision. Chairman
Wagner stated that we may only need one meeting quarterly and to keep the committee to no more
than seven people. Vice-Chair Thordarson suggested less meeting frequency due to the fact that
staff is already very busy with council's priorities. Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy suggested
that we try to form a Citizen's Committee only for the TIP review, which would give the Citizen's
some initial idea of how much work would be involved for them to really understand the Street &
Transit systems and see where it goes from there. The Committee consensus is that we need a
process that requires minimal staff effort but allows meaningful citizen input and an avenue to
advocate effectively for key city projects. The Mayor's office will work with Public works to start the
process.
F. SR 18 INTERCHANGE OPTIONS
Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy reviewed the SR 18 handout for the future Interchange of SR
167 & SR 18 and the two semifinal options that model traffic flows the best for the future SR 167
when it is improved to an 8-lane freeway. The cloverleaf design in Option # 1 does not completely
eliminate the weaving interference with the opposing ramps. Option #5 seems to be the best
option although it will cost more due to the elevated flyovers that replace the opposing cloverleaf
ramps. Vice -Chair Thordarson suggested that we also keep Option 1 still open due to cost.
Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy said he will notify WSDOT that Option 5 is preferred but that
the corridor report should recommend that Option #1 should be held as the preferred option in the
event that the region cannot raise the funds needed for Option #5. There was general consensus
on this recommendation.
G. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item 6, C1014, Auburn Wav S. Safety Improvements: Chairman Wagner questioned the fact that
the City stopped the southern most island short and that U-turns were occurring at the end of the
island. Assistant City Engineer Gaub and Traffic Engineer Philpot explained that to go farther it
would have blocked current businesses only way out precluding left turn access. The island was
extended as far as possible through properties that also had other points of access.
Item 7. C9056, Auburn Wav S Sewer Imp. -Phase 1: Chairman Wagner requested verification of
Chris Thorn's duties related to water and now sewer. Dennis Selle verified that he is currently
assuming some of the duties of the Sewer Engineer until that position is filled,
Item 12, C307B, City Wide ITS Improvements Project -Phase 1 B: Chairman Wagner questioned
who was doing the design work. Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub briefly explained that the
consultant selection is in process and that the 15% completion was work completed under the
previous phase of the project.
Item 16, C322A, West Main Street Improvements: Chairman Wagner questioned the "Other
Funds" figure and it was explained by Assistant City Engineer Gaub that these are the federal grant
funds in the project.
Item 21, C523A, 2006 Storm Pond Retrofit Program: Chairman Wagner questioned City
Engineer/Assistant Director Selle on flooding and the blocking of traffic. City Engineer/Assistant
Director Selle explained that BNSF did contribute to the extra water when there tenant dug a
bypass ditch that directed water from the BNSF yard to A Street SE. BNSF is aware and has
indicated that they will repair their diversion.
Item 24, CP0634, 4th Street Force Main: Chairman Wagner asked if the City has backup power for
all of our sewer force mains. It was explained that the City uses a combination of portable
generators, onsite generators, and bypass pumping, but due to the extent of the storms, our
resources were stressed recently during the power outage. Staff is reviewing the needs of the
various stations and projects may come forward to provide for emergency generation.
Item 25, CP0624, Well 5 Rehabilitation: Staff is currently evaluating the desire for a true building
structure at this site in place of the two utility vault structure that is in place.
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Public Works Committee Minutes January 8, 2007
APPROVED MINUTES
Item 30, CP0632, Citywide Asphalt Overlays: Member Peloza questioned the number of streets
that still needed overlays, which were confined to a few streets in the Terminal Park neighborhood.
Member Peloza also commented on the great job on the SOS.
Item 31, C421A, M Street Reconstruction: Chairman Wagner asked if we input the escalation of
cost due to the 20-30% increase the City is seeing everywhere else. Assistant City Engineer Gaub
briefly described the measures they are taking.
Item 32, SR-164 Corridor Study: Chairman Wagner just wanted to mention that the City does have
a very strong interest in SR164 and all efforts to gain additional monies will be exercised. However,
SR167 will be emphasized with the legislature this year.
Item 34, N. Lake Tapps Utility Service Area Studies: Chairman Wagner questioned as to when a
report will be forthcoming as it is to be completed in March. Chairman Wagner would like to have
some knowledge about this when the Committee prior to the Council's retreat.
Item 35 FAC06-0024, MIT Bingo Hall Signal on AWS: Traffic Engineer Philpot discussed the
poles and explained that the poles were acceptable.
OTHER ISSUES
Vice-Chair Thordarson announced that he just received an E-Mail informing the City that Shari's
Restaurant has signed a "Letter of Interest" to the North Denny's site. Also interested in the
accommodation is "Panda Express" and "Ba Ha Fresh".
Member Peloza brought up the concern with the Wesley Homes project and the 7 lights that are
out due to the copper wire being stolen. Mayor Peter B. Lewis verified that they are still under
warranty, and that the contractor for Wesley Homes will be fixing it. Discussion went on about
other cities that are having the same problems and how they are going about trying to solve it.
Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy mentioned that Icon has decided to bid on the third runway
project with the port and staff provided some guidance on the likely mitigation that would be
required for the hauling through Auburn associated with the project.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 4:37 p.m.
Submitted by Kim Powell, Secretary.
Approved by the Public Works Committee on: January 22, 2007
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