HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-2008A TY iOFCALL TO ORDER
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
March 17, 2008
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm in Council Chambers, located on the
first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee members
present were: Chairman Rich Wagner and Vice-Chair Gene Cerino. Also present during the
meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Mayor Pro Tern Sue Singer, Director Dowdy, City
Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Senior Project
Engineer Bill Helbig, Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, Transportation Manager Laura Philpot, Finance
Director Shelly Coleman, Environmental Protection Manager Aaron Nix, City Attorney Dan Heid,
Water Utility Engineer Cynthia Lamothe, Project Engineer Leah Dun Dunsdon, Project Engineer
Robert Lee, Project Engineer Ryan Vondrak, Sewer Utility Engineer Bob Elwell, Water Quality
Program Coordinator Chris Thorn, Citizens' Task Force Member Terry Davis, citizens Sherrill Clark,
Roger Thordarson, Joe Binetti, Bob Weymouth, and Patrick Taylor, and Department Secretary
Jennifer Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Singer, that the Committee
approve the Public Works Committee minutes for date, March 3, 2008. Motion carried.
B. APPROVE INITIATION OF PROJECT NO. CP0762 - LES GOVE NEIGHBORHOOD
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT ROADWAY, STORM DRAINAGE, SANITARY
SEWER AND WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT
Project Engineer Dunsdon provided background information on this project and explained the
findings of the review done by the Utilities staff, which showed waterlines are undersized and
deteriorating and some portions of the sewer would need to be replaced within the project area.
Dunsdon explained the project would be completed in two phases over the course of two
construction seasons for budgeting and scheduling reasons. Dunsdon and City
Engineer/Assistant Director Selle responded to questions raised by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding
previous utility work having been done in the same area. Dunsdon and Water Utility Engineer
Lamothe fielded several questions asked by Chairman Wagner about the replacement of the
waterlines. Chairman Wagner noted concerns regarding reconstruction of streets. Dunsdon
explained the number of streets to be reconstructed were small and the majority of the project
involved restoration rather than reconstruction. Mayor Lewis asked if a Local Improvement
District (LID) was being considered for this area. Transportation Manager Philpot explained
that a letter would be sent to property owners to determine level of interest in creating a LID.
Dunsdon answered several questions asked by Chairman Wagner about the project budget.
Dunsdon explained that there is no need for an adjustment to the 2008 budget, however
additional water funds will likely be needed in future years. Dunsdon pointed out that the City is
working with a consultant on a scope of work and budget to provide design services for this
project.
Public Works Committee Minutes March 17, 2008
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
approve initiation of project No. CP0762. Motion carried.
C. PERMISSION TO AWARD CONTRACT 07-10 FOR PROJECT CP0730, 2007 PAVEMENT
PRESERVATION, 6T" STREET SE REHABILITATION TO RODARTE CONSTRUCTION ON
THEIR LOW BID OF $577,380.50 PLUS WA STATE SALES TAX OF $7,913.97 FOR A TOTAL
CONTRACT PRICE OF $585,294.47
Project Engineer Lee reported bids came in under budget and briefed the Committee on the
scope of the project. Lee answered questions asked by the Committee about the details of the
project. Lee explained the partial road closure and the five day total road closure required to
complete the project and access for local businesses. Mayor Lewis noted the impact the road
closure will have on traffic flow. Chairman Wagner requested the timing of the signal light at
Cross Street and 3rd Street be examined to prevent traffic backup during the period of road
closures. Lee explained the five day total road closure included Saturday and Sunday to lessen
the impact on commuters.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council approve to award contract 07-10 for project CP0730. Motion carried.
D. APPROVE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE NO. 2 TO CONTRACT 07-21 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$43,321.69 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $234,606.32 WITH WOODWORTH &
COMPANY, INC. AND ACCEPT THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT NO. C507A, C
STREET SW TRAIL
Project Engineer Dunsdon answered questions asked by the Committee regarding the Safeway
Easement Agreement with the City. Dunsdon and Mayor Lewis addressed questions asked by
Chairman Wager regarding the potential for barriers along the trail.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Final Pay Estimate No. 2 to contract 07-21 with Woodworth and
Company Inc. and accept construction of Project No. C507A, C Street SW Trail.
III. ISSUES
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6171 CREATING THE CITIZEN'S COMMITTEE FOR TRANSPORTATION,
TRANSIT AND TRAILS TO ASSIST THE CITY COUNCIL IN ADDRESSING
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES INVOLVING STREETS, SIDEWALKS, TRAILS, PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY AND BUS SERVICE, AMONG OTHERS
Chairman Wagner asked questions regarding the wording in Section 1, 2.94.060 of this
ordinance regarding the Role of the Committee, "Committee members will be entitled to travel
with representatives from the City of Auburn". Roger Thordarson responded to question and
the purpose of the wording. Director Dowdy stated that the wording was such as to meet the
transportation needs of the Committee Members, allowing Committee members to ride in
vehicles with City staff. Chairman Wagner asked if Committee Members would be provided
with City identification such as name tags and business cards. Mayor Lewis stated he has no
Page 2
Public Works Committee Minutes March 17, 2008
objection to providing identification and would look into how the Arts Commission provided
identification for its members and consult City Attorney Heid.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Singer, that the Committee
recommend that Ordinance No. 6171 be moved forward to Council. Motion carried.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 6152 AMENDING SECTIONS 13.20.010 AND 13.20.140 OF THE AUBURN
CITY CODE, REPEALING SECTION 13.20.154 OF THE AUBURN CITY CODE, AND ADDING
A NEW CHAPTER 13.22 TO THE AUBURN CITY CODE, ALL RELATING TO FAT, OIL, AND
GREASE CONTROL PLANS
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell answered questions put forth by the Committee regarding the
impact of the ordinance amendments on the list of local businesses provided. Elwell reviewed
the manner which the ordinance would apply to businesses and the tools the City would use to
assess business compliance. Chairman Wagner commented on the concentration
requirements in Section 2, 13.20.140, Item B. Chairman Wagner requested the wording of the
item be made clearer to explain that the measurements were to be used by the City as a
method of enforcement and not as a monitoring process required by businesses. Utility
Engineer Repp explained that the FOG concentration in the proposed code sets the maximum
allowed to be discharged to the sewer system and is required by King County Metro. Repp
answered questions from Mayor Lewis regarding required monitoring by businesses verses the
City's ability to monitor FOG discharge when needed. The Committee discussed the obligation
of monitoring of FOG production and the wording of the ordinance. Repp responded to all
questions and concerns. Chairman Wagner asked about the standards established by King
County. Mayor Lewis asked if there was a King County Standard that made monitoring a
requirement. Repp responded there was not. Director Dowdy recommended that the wording
be changed to "in amounts that exceed limits as established by King County Wastewater
Treatment Division Standards." Chairman Wagner concurred. Elwell responded to a question
asked by Mayor Pro Tern Singer regarding car lots.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Singer, that the Committee
recommend that Ordinance No. 6152 be moved forward to Council, following changes to
Section 2 13.20.140, Item B. Motion carried.
C. RESOLUTION NO. 4319 APPROVES THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR
IMPLEMENTATION IN THE CITY OF AUBURN AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO INCLUDE
A COPY OF THIS PROGRAM IN THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION
SYSTEM WESTERN WASHINGTON PHASE II MUNICIPAL STORMWATER PERMIT
ANNUAL REPORT TO THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
Water Quality Program Coordinator Thorn answered Chairman Wagner's questions regarding
consultants. Utility Engineer Repp continued answering questions from the Committee about
monitoring and reporting as determined by the Department of Ecology.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Singer, that the Committee
recommend that Council adopt Resolution No. 4319. Motion carried.
D. RESOLUTION NO. 4330 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUBURN
AND KING COUNTY TO PERFORM VARIOUS MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Page 3
Public Works Committee Minutes March 17, 2008
Issue D was deferred to a future committee meeting.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6170 AMENDS SECTIONS 3.40.020, 3.41.010, 3.84.040, AND 3.88.040 OF
THE AUBURN CITY CODE AND CREATES A NEW CHAPTER 3.42 OF THE AUBURN CITY
CODE RELATING TO THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF UTILITY TAXES
Finance Director Coleman distributed an amended version of Ordinance No. 6170. Chairman
Wagner asked for clarification on the assignment of the utility tax monies to the Arterial Streets
Fund. Coleman verified the ordinance assigned the monies to the Arterial Streets Fund. City
Attorney Heid provided further clarification stating because the monies are assigned to a fund
classified as a general fund, monies could be allocated for uses other than Arterial Streets.
Mayor Lewis requested ordinance wording be changed to designate monies specifically to the
Arterial Streets Fund. The Committee further discussed the ordinance, future sources of
funding and what conditions need to be met in order to repeal the utility tax increase. Coleman
explained how any future grants or funds would affect the ability to repeal the tax increase and
that was not the intent of the Citizen's Committee. Citizen's Transportation Committee Member
Davis recommended that an additional benchmark be added to the ordinance so that only when
the Arterial Street System reaches an average pavement condition index of 70 and funding
secured from the State is sufficient to sustain this standard for the long term would the utility tax
be repealed. The Committee concurred. Ordinance No. 6170 will be amended and
redistributed.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 4329 AUBURN ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION BANK
Environmental Protection Manager Aaron Nix explained the grant award and the goal of moving
this resolution to Council in order to get started on design and constructions of related projects,
such as, the building of trails and the birding tower requested by Mayor Lewis. Chairman
Wagner asked questions about total costs of consultants and projects. Nix explained the
budget, distribution of funds, and the plans for the birding tower and elevated boardwalk. Nix
anticipates the start of the birding tower construction to be August 2008.
C. 8T" STREET NE AND R STREET NE SIGNAL PROJECT
Project Engineer Vondrak presented an update for the proposed intersection improvements at
8th Street NE and R Street NE. Vondrak reported that during the initial design phase access
concerns related to apartments in the project vicinity were raised and staff was asked to look at
design alternatives for the project. Using area maps, Vondrak outlined the four design
alternatives, a signal without u-turn, a signal with mid-block u-turn, a signal with mid-block u-
turn and u-turn at the signal, and no signal with a prohibition on left turns from R Street NE with
a pedestrian crossing. Vondrak answered questions presented by the Committee on the pros
and cons of each alternative using area maps and the estimated costs of each. Wagner asked
if alternative four would qualify for the Federal Grant money awarded to this project. Vondrak
responded that it probably would not qualify and the grant money would need to be returned.
Vice-Chair Cerino question whether or not the proposed pedestrian crossing would stop traffic.
Vondrak verified that it would stop traffic for pedestrians. Chairman Wagner questioned the
accident reports and severity of the accidents. Transportation Manager Philpot explained that
Page 4
Public Works Committee Minutes March 17, 2008
the severity of accidents is determined by the type of collision, speed, and the property damage
or fatalities that could have occurred rather than the actual result of the accidents. Philpot
further explained that this is due to the fact that a 0.5 second difference in the impact can mean
the difference between a property damage only accident and a fatality. The Committee
discussed alternative routes drivers may take to avoid the intersection at 8th Street NE and R
Street NE. Vondrak answered Committee questions about installing the mid-block u-turn and
the availability of right-of-way verse the purchase of property to install the u-turn. Vondrak
stated there was existing right-of-way for a mid-block u-turn and purchasing property would not
be necessary. Mayor Pro-Tem Singer questioned the routes for resident access to the
apartment complexes related to Alternative 1. Philpot answered residents would have to
reroute. Vondrak stressed the concept of safety over convenience previously mentioned by the
Committee. Vondrak answered additional questions about costs for the four options. Philpot
addressed Chairman Wagner's questions regarding the need for a pedestrian crossing near the
Park verses R Street NE as shown in Alternative 4. Mayor Lewis stressed Alternative 4 moves
traffic problems into smaller residential streets in the neighborhood.
Resident Julie Fredrickson, 155-B 8th Street NE, Auburn, spoke representing River's End
Estates. Ms. Fredrickson voiced concerns over the right-in, right-out only access to the
properties entrance and recommended a break in the median to allow left-turns toward Green
River Community College. Transportation Manager Philpot explained the difficulty of installing
such a turn due to the close proximity of the intersection with R Street NE and the left turn
movement conflicts this would create. Director Dowdy discussed that the backup of traffic
coming down from Lea Hill would ultimately prevent left turn movements. Mayor Lewis
expressed concern over the danger of the intersection verses the inconvenience created for the
residents by the proposed project.
Resident Bob Weymouth, 1575-A 8th Street NE, Auburn, addressed the Committee regarding
his concerns about the narrowness of the driveway entrance to River's End Estates and asked
the Committee about the possibility of installing two signal lights to allow for left-hand turns from
River's End driveway. City Engineer/Assistant Director Selle and Transportation Manager
Philpot explained the alternative proposed by Resident Weymouth would require that all
driveways located within the two signals would also require signalization and would be a
complex system and may lead to additional confusion in traffic movements.
The Committee and Philpot continued to discuss the various turning options for the apartment
complex residents. Mayor Pro-Tem Singer questioned how many residents would be impacted.
Vondrak indicated that while we do not have an exact number the residents of Regal
Apartments, River's End Estates, Rivergreen Apartments, and Riverside Village will potentially
be inconvenienced by limiting driveway access.
Chairman Wagner stated Alternative 1 would be the best option of the four and requested
Vondrak move forward with the development of that option.
D. A/B NW CORRIDOR STATUS BRIEFING
Discussion and Information Item D. was removed from agenda.
E. H STREET SE LID
Transportation Manager Philpot verified that the School District's vote counts related to the
formation of the Local Improvement District (LID) and if they remain neutral, 85% have
Page 5
Public Works Committee Minutes March 17, 2008
indicated they would not protest the formation of the LID. Philpot asked if the Committee would
like to move forward with the LID and accelerate the SOS work on H Street SE. Philpot
answered questions from Chairman Wagner regarding the negotiation of right-of-way and the
total projected cost. Chairman Wagner and Vice-Chair Cerino reviewed the number of property
owners who were in favor of the formation of the LID and property owners who could not be
reached. Resident Joe Binetti identified the property owners that he was unable to contact and
asked for a Public Meeting regarding the matter to allow residents to voice their opinions.
Philpot explained that the LID process allows for a Public Hearing for property owners to
express their concerns. The Committee recommended the LID process move forward.
F. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
No. 21 - City Wide ITS Improvements Proiect, Phase 1 B: Chairman Wagner asked about
feedback from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe regarding their investment in this project. Mayor
Lewis said the tribe was also concerned about the control of the intersections leaving White
River Amphitheater events. Transportation Manager Philpot offered to invite the Muckleshoot
Tribe's Public Works and Planning Directors to review the project with City Staff. Mayor Lewis
concurred with meeting with the Muckleshoot Tribe. Philpot verified that we are monitoring
during amphitheater events and received no complaints last year.
No. 25 - 4m Street NE Sewer Force Main: Project Engineer Vondrak reported that property
owners were surveyed by mail and by phone. Three property owners responded that they were
not interested. Vondrak answered question from Chairman Wagner regarding the collection
and accuracy of the survey data. Chairman Wagner suggested resurveying property owners
because the initial data was collected in June 2006. Mayor Pro Tern Singer pointed out the
increase in cost to property owners in the two year period between the initial survey and the
proposed resurvey. Director Dowdy answered questions from Mayor Pro Tern Singer regarding
the selection of the area of the project. Mayor Pro Tern Singer recommended consistency in
disclosing fees to property owners and the Committee agreed. City Engineer/Assistant Director
Selle verified the plan for the project was for the Sewer utility to pay for the project and would
recapture its costs by collecting a charge an "in lieu of fee at the time a resident hooks up to
the sewer. This fee is based on the proportional share of the improvements that serve each
property. Resident Patrick Taylor, 1812 4c" Place NE, Auburn, explained how he understood
the hook up fees to the Committee. Resident Taylor expressed his concern over the lack of
communication between the City and property owners over the past two years.
Project Engineer Vondrak addressed Chairman Wagner's questions about easements.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle addressed the Committee's questions regarding the fees
for hooking up to City sewer and suggested the project, including approximate costs, be
updated. Chairman Wagner agreed and asked that the project be revisited in approximately six
weeks, following the update. Vice-Chair Cerino recommend a Public Meeting to discuss
assessment of cost with property owners. The Committee concurred that staff should schedule
a follow up neighborhood meeting to discuss costs and determine how many properties desire
to participate.
No. 39 - City Wayfinding Signage: Chairman Wagner requested this project be removed from
the Projects of Interest Status Report. Senior Project Engineer Helbig said it would be
removed.
Page 6
Public Works Committee Minutes March 17, 2008
OTHER DISCUSSION
Chairman Wagner discussed traffic impact fees and referred to reductions for Day Care
Centers and thought that the last time this issue was discussed, it was decided there would be
no reduction of traffic impact fees. Mayor Pro Tern Singer asked if at this time Day Care
Centers were paying 100%. Chairman Wagner responded he thought they were. Chairman
Wagner asked that discussion of traffic impact fees and what occurs when one category
receives a reduction of fees be added to the next Committee agenda. Director Dowdy stated
he recalled that some categories were reduced and others increased. After more discussion
about reduction of fees and exemptions, it was decided the issue would be further discussed at
the next Public Works Committee Meeting.
Vice-Chair Cerino posed a question regarding closures of mobile home parks for re-
development and City ordinances which may protect residents. The question will be referred to
the Planning and Community Development Committee.
Mayor Pro Tern Singer asked about installing a lodging wayfinding sign which would include
hotel logos. Transportation Manager Philpot explained staff is working with Planning staff to
determine if the current City code prohibits such a sign. Mayor Pro Tern Singer asked if the
wayfinding sign without the hotel logos could be installed and Philpot responded that it possibly
could be and that she would like to complete the review the existing code prior to answering the
question.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Approved this 7th day of April, 2008.
Rich Wagner
Chairman
File: 17.2
H:WgendaBills\2008\031708Minutes and E:\Minutes\08PW03-2
is Works Department
Page 7